Ex-PNP chiefs should clarify their roles in drug war – Marbil

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs should clarify their roles in the Duterte administration’s drug war, according to the organization’s top boss General Rommel Francisco Marbil.

He urged the ex-PNP chiefs on Sunday after retired police colonel Royina Garma alleged that former President Rodrigo Duterte and high-ranking PNP officials during his administration sanctioned covert operations replicating Davao City’s model of extrajudicial killings on a national scale.

READ: Garma says Davao drug war template, rewards system applied in entire PH

“We take these allegations very seriously. We will thoroughly investigate Garma’s claims to ensure accountability and transparency within our ranks,” Marbil said.

He added that the probe is crucial for the PNP to restore the public’s trust as it conducts a “recalibrated anti-drug campaign aimed at prioritizing human rights.”

During the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee hearing last Friday, Oct. 11, Garma revealed a matrix suggesting the involvement or awareness of former PNP chiefs in covert operations.

In her affidavit, Garma also disclosed that Duterte allegedly contacted her about the creation of a national task force, and among the key figures in implementing the reported scheme was Colonel Edilberto Leonardo.

According to Garma, Leonardo purportedly collaborated with Duterte and his aide, now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, to establish a new task force comprising of “liquidators” nationwide.

She also named several members of the Philippine National Police Academy classes of 1996 and 1997, whom she claimed participated in the operations.

She also said Leonardo allegedly “conducted briefings” for all Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency officials, PNP chiefs, and regional directors “regarding operations.”

“Additionally, if any individual died during police operations, Leonardo reported the incident to Bong Go for inclusion in his weekly report and requests for refunds of operational expenses,” Garma said during the hearing on October 11.

“Leonardo had the final authority to determine who would be included on the list of drug personalities and to classify their threat levels, as well as the discretion to remove individuals from the list,” she added.

Marbil assured the public of the PNP’s commitment to human rights and accountability, adding that measures would be implemented “to strengthen public confidence and prevent similar abuses in future operations.”

Meanwhile, Garma said she would reveal more details and names in an executive session with the House Quad Committee.