House issues subpoena vs Bong Go’s aide for skipping drug war probe

CRIMES LINKED TO DRUG WAR In this Sept. 13 photo, the quad committee of the House of Representatives resumes its investigation into cases of extrajudicial killings under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.—HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives quad committee has issued a subpoena against Sen. Bong Go’s aide Irmina Espino, otherwise known as “Muking,” for failing to attend its hearing on the Duterte administration’s drug war.

No member of the quad panel objected when Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano moved to subpoena Espino, who skipped Thursday’s probe even after a show cause order was already issued against her.

“Attached herewith are medical records with regards to the medical status of Ms. Muking Espino … With this, I move to issue a subpoena ad testificandum to Ms. Muking Espino,” Paduano said.

READ: ‘Muking’ denies role as told in House quad comm probe

Espino attended the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee’s drug war probe last October 28.

During the Senate hearing, Espino denied her supposed role as the “disbursing officer” in the financial operations related to the drug war, specifically allegations that she was handing out incentives to rogue police officers involved in extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

It was in connection to retired police colonel Royina Garma’s revelation during previous House quad panel’s hearings that Go allegedly coordinated with National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in setting up a system to give police officers cash incentives for every drug suspect killed.

Garma said Espino helped Go.

Based on reports, the war on drugs left at least 6,000 people dead.

However, data from human rights watchdog Karapatan showed at least 30,000 cases of EJKs were allegedly committed during the drug war.