Former President Duterte confirms police reward system in his “war on drugs”

On November 13, 2024, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte testified in a hearing of the so-called “Quad Committee” in the House of Representatives on human rights violations in the so-called “war on drugs” during his term of office. Duterte admitted that police officers received a “tip” for solving cases of drug-related crime, including extrajudicial killings. Duterte thus confirmed the statements of retired police officer Royina Garma and police lieutenant Jovie Espenido in a previous “quad committee” hearing in October that there was a system of rewards and quotas within the Philippine National Police (PNP) under his government. Duterte also stated in the committee meeting that he had personally killed at least six people before his presidency.

Duterte also called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to speed up its investigations in the Philippines because he “could die.” The ICC is investigating possible crimes against humanity during Duterte’s time (2011-2019) as mayor and vice mayor of Davao City and as president of the Philippines. The Philippines was a member of the ICC between 2011 and 2019. Duterte also emphasized that he was not afraid of a possible arrest by Interpol, as this would require the ICC to have jurisdiction over the investigation in the Philippines. However, the Supreme Court of the Philippines already determined in 2021 that the ICC continues to have jurisdiction over investigations during the Philippines’ membership period (2011-2019) in accordance with Article 127 of the Rome Statute.

In November 2024, the PNP announced that it will revise its strategy to combat illegal drugs. Police Chief Rommel Maribel explained that this roadmap for the government’s anti-drug campaign (2024-2028) is in the final planning phase and should emphasize a human rights-based approach. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) also stated that it is not paying rewards to its officers for killing suspects in anti-drug operations.

 

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