By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Saying that confessed Davao Death Squad hitman Arturo Lascañas was prevented by “pro-Duterte” senators from presenting his side during a Senate inquiry in 2017, former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV has called on the House of Representatives to investigate in aid of legislation the allegations that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte and son Davao City’s 1st Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte were involved in extrajudicial killings (EJKs), illegal trade and smuggling in their home city of Davao.

In a video that went viral, Lascañas claimed that Oplan Tokhang, the controversial anti-drug campaign during the Duterte administration, was the brainchild of Vice President Sara Duterte when she was mayor of Davao City.

On the other hand, Lascañas charged that then Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte allegedly ran a clandestine drug smuggling syndicate.

“Nananawagan ako sa House of Representatives na imbestigahan ang mga mabibigat na paratang ni Sgt. Arturo Lascañas laban sa pamilyang Duterte, na ang mga ito ay involved hindi lang sa EJKs, pati na rin sa illegal drug trade at smuggling. Dito makikita ng taumbayan kung sya nga ba ay nagsasabi ng totoo o hindi,” Trillanes on Wednesday (February 7) wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Last January 31, Lascañas — a retired police officer — held his first free-for-all interview since he went into hiding after exposing FPRRD’s alleged hand in killings carried out between 2011 and early 2016.

He said the killings were allegedly executed by the DDS during Duterte’s term as vice mayor and later mayor of Davao.

Lascañas has been granted limited immunity by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is investigating Duterte’s alleged death squad and the drug war.

VP Sara vehemently denied the accusation against her, questioning the timing of Lascañas’ interview.

“All of a sudden, there is a witness against me following my election as Vice President. And now I am already one of the accused before the International Criminal Court,” VP Duterte said.

Cong Pulong has not yet issued his comment on Lascañas’ allegation against him as of this posting.

(el Amigo/MNM)