Headline: Garma Discloses Duterte’s Call Following Drug War Testimony
Retired Police Colonel Implicates Duterte in Drug War Killings During House Hearing
MANILA, Philippines – In a gripping testimony before the House quad committee on October 22, retired police colonel Royina Garma recounted her brief but revealing phone conversation with former President Rodrigo Duterte. This call followed Garma’s prior statements during the committee’s hearings, where she implicated Duterte in the controversial drug war that claimed thousands of lives in the Philippines.
According to Garma, the one-minute call, initiated by Duterte, did not involve any discussion about her testimony concerning the drug war. Instead, Duterte discussed his rationale for appointing Edilberto Leonardo as the head of replicating the anti-drug operations on a national scale, akin to the "Davao model" that he originally implemented while serving as mayor of Davao City.
The "Davao Model" and Its Implications
The "Davao model" is notably marked by a system where payments are rewarded based on successful operations leading to drug war-related killings. Garma disclosed to the committee that after Duterte’s ascent to the presidency in 2016, he actively recruited individuals to carry out this model across the nation. It constitutes a troubling framework where law enforcement officials received financial incentives for their roles in the drug war, fundamentally blurring the lines between justice and reward.
Garma noted during her testimony, "He just explained why he wanted an officer who is from Iglesia ni Cristo. He said Iglesia ni Cristo people can be trusted with money." This remark drew scrutiny, particularly from House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro, who questioned whether this implied that Colonel Leonardo was deemed trustworthy regarding financial rewards for these operations. Garma’s response, “It can be interpreted that way,” further fueled concerns about the ethical implications of Duterte’s network and the motivations behind these positions.
The Call and Garma’s Response
In recounting her conversation with the former president, Garma stated, “Actually, I said sorry,” adding that she did not recall Duterte urging her to retract her statements about the drug war. In contrast, Representative Castro asserted, “We should not say sorry to him. Former president Rodrigo Duterte should be the one saying sorry for the thousands of innocent people he killed.”
Such reflections emphasize the polarizing nature of the drug war and its continuing impact on Philippine society today. The quad committee hearings, which have drawn significant public and media attention, aim to scrutinize the human rights violations allegedly perpetrated under Duterte’s administration and the broader implications of his policies.
Contextual Background and Broader Impacts
Duterte’s war on drugs, launched in 2016, has been the subject of international condemnation for its high death toll and alleged human rights abuses. The significant loss of lives, particularly among marginalized groups, creates a complex landscape where societal trust in authorities might erode, leading to broader implications for social cohesion and governance. Human rights groups estimate that thousands of extrajudicial killings have occurred during the campaign, posing pressing challenges to rule of law and accountability in the Philippines.
As the House quad committee progresses with its hearings, the revelations made by Garma may carry weighty consequences for Duterte’s legacy and ongoing discussions about police reform and ethics in governance.
Encouraging Engagement
The developments in this ongoing investigation bring to the forefront critical discussions about accountability, ethics, and governance. What are your thoughts on the implications of Garma’s testimony? Can reform be achieved in the current landscape of Philippine law enforcement? Share your perspectives in the comments below and let’s engage in a thoughtful conversation about these pressing issues.
For more insights on police reform and governance in Southeast Asia, check out our articles here. Additionally, for in-depth analysis on similar topics, visit authoritative sites such as TechCrunch, The Verge, or Wired.
