Former police colonel Edilberto Leonardo confirmed the two affidavits executed by then Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma on the alleged cash reward system linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s large-scale anti-drugs campaign.
Leonardo gave his testimony during the ninth public hearing of the House Quad Committee late Wednesday evening at the interpellation of Committee on Human Rights chairperson and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante.
Garma, in the previous hearing, pointed to Leonardo among the chief architects of the organized ‘Davao Model,’ which Duterte used as a template for his anti-narcotics operations that featured police officers summarily executing drug suspects they captured.
“Did you read and hear the two affidavits of Col. Garma? Do you believe in their contents? Yes or no?” Abante asked. “Yes, Mr. Chair,” Leonardo replied, affirming the credibility of Garma’s testimony.
Abante followed up by asking Leonardo if he believed there was a reward system tied to the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. After some hesitation, Leonardo confirmed, “Yes, Mr. Chair.”
Leonardo’s corroboration strengthens Garma’s statements, which alleged that a cash-based reward system incentivized killings under the previous administration.
The hearing also saw the Quad Committee citing demoted Major Leo Laraga in contempt for attempting to dodge questions regarding the 2016 raid at Abuyog Provincial Jail in Leyte.
The raid resulted in the deaths of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. and inmate Raul Yap, raising concerns over possible extrajudicial executions.
Earlier, police captain Kenneth Albotra was also cited in contempt for similar reasons. He was tagged in connection with the murder of Tanauan, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili.
The investigation into these allegations continues as the Quad Committee scrutinizes the conduct of security forces during Duterte’s war on drugs.
