MANILA – A high-ranking official from the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday that any recommendations to prosecute former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity, linked to the alleged extrajudicial killings during his administration’s drug war, will be meticulously reviewed by prosecutors. DOJ Undersecretary Hermogenes Andres emphasized that the process will be free from any unfounded harassment lawsuits.
Andres spoke to the media, stating that the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) will carefully assess all documents and evidence forwarded by the House of Representatives Quad Committee (quadcom). He mentioned that the DOJ has already set up a task force dedicated to investigating extrajudicial killings and has begun gathering evidence.
He further explained that the DOJ will consolidate all evidence, including the committee’s report, which contains crucial information and admissions from the quadcom hearings. These could lead to a more in-depth investigation and further evidence collection.
Andres assured that if the evidence justifies it, the DOJ will move forward with filing cases through the National Prosecution Service. He stressed that the DOJ will not pursue harassment cases but will hold individuals accountable when sufficient evidence is present.
Under the DOJ’s latest guidelines, the NPS will spearhead the case development in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the EJK task force. Andres highlighted ongoing coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other law enforcement bodies to ensure all relevant information and evidence are considered in building the case.
The House quadcom recently recommended charging Duterte, Senators Christopher Lawrence Go and Ronald Dela Rosa, and other police officials with crimes against humanity. These charges would be filed under Section 6 of Republic Act 9851, the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
Other officials implicated include former PNP chiefs Oscar David Albayalde and Debold Sinas, P/Colonels Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo, and Palace aide Herminia “Muking” Espino.