MANILA – Malacañang has voiced its backing for the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) plan to reopen investigations into high-profile killings tied to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized that the Marcos administration is committed to justice, stating, “The reopening of these cases demonstrates that the administration prioritizes the fair dispensation of justice and the universal observance of the rule of law.”
The PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is revisiting the case of Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili, following revelations from retired police colonel Royina Garma that police officers were involved in the 2018 killing.
Halili, known for his public shaming of criminals, was shot during a flag-raising ceremony at Tanauan City Hall.
On Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo also confirmed that the CIDG would examine other significant killings linked to Duterte’s drug war.
The Department of Justice recently announced its own preliminary investigation into these high-profile cases, which include the deaths of Halili, retired police general Wesley Barayuga, Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa, and convicted drug lords Chu Kin Tung, Li Lan Yan, and Wong Meng Pin in 2016.
Garma testified that Duterte’s nationwide anti-drug operation, modeled after Davao City’s system, involved cash rewards for police officers based on the number of drug suspects killed.
PNP leadership, despite the disturbing nature of these revelations, pledged a thorough investigation into the links between the killings of Halili, Barayuga, and others.
“We will leave no stone unturned,” said Fajardo, addressing concerns over the involvement of police personnel.
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