House Committee Recommends Charges Against Duterte for Crimes Against Humanity
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Table of Contents
A congressional inquiry has revealed shocking allegations of human rights abuses committed under the former administration of Rodrigo Duterte. A joint committee presented its findings, recommending criminal charges against Duterte and two former police officials, Oscar Albayalde and Camilo cascolan. The committee also called for the Philippine government to cooperate with the International Criminal court (ICC) in investigating alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs.”
Allegations of State-Sanctioned Killings
The committee’s report detailed chilling accounts of extrajudicial killings, frequently enough disguised as “resisting arrest” incidents. Former Senator Leila de Lima,a prominent critic of Duterte during her time as Justice Secretary,emphasized the need for international intervention. She recommended that the Philippine government utilize the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as a legal basis for cooperating with the ICC investigation.
The committee highlighted a deeply disturbing pattern: Duterte reportedly provided incentives to police officers for solving “big cases,” offering “tips for the boys” — a euphemism for rewards — regardless of whether lethal force was used. Testimonies suggest he even instructed officers to provoke suspects, creating a scenario where they would fight back and be killed, justifying the use of deadly force.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
“The investigations brought to light a harrowing narrative of abuse of power and institutional impunity during the Duterte administration,” said committee chair, Congressman Rufus Rodriguez.
The committee concluded that Duterte, along with former police chiefs Albayalde and Cascolan, should be held criminally responsible for their roles in the alleged extrajudicial killings. The panel further recommended charges for their alleged involvement in the murder of three Chinese businessmen within the Davao Penal Colony in 2016.
In a passionate speech, committee co-chair Bienvenido Abante condemned the killings, stating, “There is no rhyme or reason for such diabolical attacks on the sanctity of life of every human being. But it was president Duterte himself who provided legal cover for those killings. The narrative of ‘nanlaban’ or fought back became the legal justification for these operations as PRRD himself encouraged officers to provoke suspects into resisting arrest.”
## Dying for Justice: An Interview with representative Ace Barbers
**Archyde news:** Today, we’re joined by Representative Ace Barbers, chairperson of the House committee that formally recommended charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity, stemming from the controversial war on drugs. Representative Barbers, thank you for joining us.
**Representative Barbers:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde News:** The committee’s proposal is a landmark decision. Could you elaborate on the findings that led to this momentous move?
**Representative Barbers:** Our quad committee conducted rigorous and extensive hearings,meticulously examining witness testimonies and evidence. What emerged was a disturbing picture: a systematic incentivization of killings. Our report indicates a chilling system, modelled after the ‘Davao Template’ and replicated nationwide, which rewarded individuals for killing suspected drug personalities.
**Archyde News:** this ”Davao Template” has been a recurring theme in discussions about Duterte’s drug war. What exactly is it?
**Representative Barbers:** As detailed in the testimony of retired police officer Royina Garma, the Davao Template essentially incentivized extrajudicial killings by offering rewards to those who carried them out.This created a climate of impunity and fueled a brutal campaign that tragically cost the lives of around 30,000 individuals.
**Archyde News:** Garma’s testimony was certainly impactful.Can you tell us more about her role in exposing this system?
**Representative Barbers:** Ms. Garma’s courageously coming forward was instrumental. Her firsthand account of the Davao Template and Duterte’s alleged involvement provided crucial missing pieces to the puzzle. Her testimony was corroborated by evidence and painted a clear and disturbing picture of the system at play.
**Archyde News:** Besides Duterte, who else is implicated in this recommendation for charges?
**Representative Barbers:** The recommendation extends to key allies and figures involved in Duterte’s drug war. this includes Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Bong Go, alongside former police chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Debold Sinas, and Police Colonel Edilberto Leonardo, whom Ms. Garma identified as the primary architect of the Davao Template.
**Archyde News:** It’s vital to note that this recommendation is not legally binding. Where does the process go from here?
**Representative Barbers:** While the committee’s recommendation doesn’t automatically translate into charges, it carries significant weight. Victims, human rights organizations, and the government can now use this as a basis for further legal action. this case is gaining momentum, with the International Criminal Court actively investigating similar allegations linked to the drug war.
**Archyde News:** what message do you hope this recommendation sends to the Filipino people and the international community?
**Representative Barbers:** This recommendation is a powerful testament to our commitment to truth and justice. It demonstrates that no one is above the law, not even former presidents.
We hope this serves as a warning against impunity and a beacon of hope for the victims and their families who have been seeking justice for years. The pursuit for accountability will continue.
This is a very well-writen and informative piece about the serious allegations against Rodrigo Duterte and the suggestion for criminal charges.
Here are some of it’s strengths:
* **Clear and concise:** The reporting is easy to understand; it effectively summarizes a complex situation with clarity.
* **Structured and Organized:** The use of headings and subheadings makes the article easy to navigate and follow.
* **Factual and Evidence-Based:** The piece relies on credible sources and evidence, citing specific testimonies, reports, and legal processes.
* **Neutral Tone:** While addressing a controversial topic, the reporting maintains a neutral tone, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.
* **Compelling Narrative:** The use of quotes from key figures like Representative Ace Barbers and Leila de Lima adds depth and emotion to the story.
**Suggestions for Improvement:**
* **Clarify Timeline:** While the article mentions the committee recommendation and Garma’s testimony, it could benefit from a clearer timeline of events. When did the congressional inquiry begin? when did Garma testify? These details would provide more context.
* **Expand on the ICC Examination:** the article mentions the ICC investigation but could elaborate more on its current status. What specific allegations are they investigating? What stage is the investigation in?
* **Future Implications:** The article could conclude by discussing the potential implications of the committee’s recommendation. What are the legal hurdles? What are the possible outcomes? How might this affect the political landscape in the Philippines?
**Overall:** This is a strong piece of journalism that sheds light on a critical issue. With a few minor additions, it could be even more compelling and insightful.
