Mariza Hamoy spoke about the killing of her 17-year-old son, Darwin, during the Philippine Truth Commission’s second hearing on August 27, 2026.
The Truth Commission is an autonomous initiative led by members of civil society, formed to investigate and record incidents of drug-related killings and abuses that occurred during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs.” It provides a safe space for victims and survivors to share their stories, and suggests ways to achieve justice, institutional change, and healing.
Mariza described her family’s ordeal in a nearly three-hour testimony.
A team of 16 police officers killed Darwin and several others in what police described as a drug raid on August 15, 2016, in Payatas, Quezon City. “No questions were asked; police officers just shot him and the others,” she said.
Mariza stressed that Darwin was not involved in drugs. Only after eight days, after searching in hospitals, she found his body at a funeral parlour in Quezon City. She had to pay 50,000 Philippine Pesos for his body’s release.
Mariza recalled being denied access to police records, and the legal setbacks she faced in seeking justice. She said she filed two complaints, both of which were eventually dismissed. Mariza only learned this year that the charges had been dismissed.
Authorities claimed that those killed engaged the cops in a gunfight (so-called “nanlaban”, meaning “fighting back”), a claim disputed by families of the victims. Criminal charges filed against policemen who were reportedly involved in Darwin’s killing were dismissed. Administrative charges against their station commander in Payatas were also dropped.
Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the dismissal meant there was “no evidence to support the accusation that the policemen used excessive force” during the raid. He defended the station commander, saying that no substantial proof was submitted to corroborate the charge that he had a hand in the killing of Darwin and other drug suspects.
Human rights advocates criticized the decision, arguing it further harmed victims’ families, shielded wrongdoers, and undermined the principle of equal protection under the law.
Panelo’s ‘propaganda’ critique
While many see the Truth Commission as a step toward accountability, others have accused it of bias and political motivation. Among its most vocal critics is Salvador Panelo, former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel of Rodrigo Duterte.
Panelo dismisses the organization as a “one-sided propaganda tool”, arguing that allegations of extrajudicial killings should be presented to state prosecutors.
In a recent television interview, he suggested that the commission serves only to tarnish the reputations of Duterte and his political allies, including Vice President Sara Duterte.
Commission leaders have firmly rejected such accusations.
Forensic pathologist Dr Raquel Fortun noted that that families like the Hamoys “lost every step of the way,” frequently finding that the authorities investigating the killings were the same ones implicated in them.
“Remember that these families have no resources, their connection is limited, and they have no money. That’s why it angers me when people say ‘just file a case.’ Do you know how hard it is, especially if you are a nobody and a victim?” she said.
Fortun condemned the inadequate police procedures, restricted access to information, and the complicity of some doctors in falsifying death reports.
Truth Commission Chairperson Raul Pangalangan clarified that his organization does not have prosecutorial function, but it is open to all perspectives, including those from police officers.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) responded with cautious support, saying it “welcomes any independent initiative that aims to deliver clarity and healing to our nation.”
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that the police force will cooperate with the commission within legal protocols and highlighted recent reforms, including the use of body cameras and stricter supervision of anti-narcotics units.
The Truth Commission plans to hold regular sessions and publish findings and recommendations every six months.
Photo © Raffy Lerma