The Department of Justice (DOJ) is evaluating the recommendations of the House Quad Committee to file cases against former President Rodrigo Duterte and several others linked to alleged human rights violations during the previous administration’s war on drugs.
DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres on Friday stated that the department has already initiated its investigation into extrajudicial killings (EJKs) through a task force established by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
“Based on the Quad Comm report that we recently received, we will strengthen the additional investigation due to the many revelations and what I call possibly self-incriminating admissions made under oath to the Quad Comm. This is part of our evaluation,” Andres said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon news briefing.
The Quad Comm’s report, which surfaced after extensive hearings, alleged involvement of high-ranking officials and other key personalities in human rights abuses.
Andres noted that the DOJ will use the report to bolster its ongoing investigation and pursue accountability while upholding due process.
“We will ensure that everyone involved here is given the opportunity to present their side, whether you are a respondent or a witness, we will conduct a very thorough investigation,” Andres said.
“We assure you that we will act on the basis of evidence and hold all those involved in this crime legally accountable based on evidence,” he added.
While initial cases focused on murder charges, Andres said the DOJ is now also exploring violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity.
“But now, because the area of concern is something very broad that we call crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian law, we have to understand the bigger context because these crimes can only be proven if examined within a broader national scope,” Andres said.
In response to legal challenges posed by the complexity of these cases, Andres assured that the DOJ would work closely with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). He also highlighted the importance of public cooperation in uncovering the truth.
The committee’s findings are separate from the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) probe into alleged crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s war on drugs.
Andres reiterated that the Philippines is no longer a party to the Rome Statute and thus not under ICC jurisdiction. However, the DOJ’s work would proceed independently to ensure accountability under Philippine laws.
Apart from the EJKs, the Quad Committee also pointed to the alleged involvement of high-profile figures, including Duterte’s son, Rep. Paolo Duterte, and former economic adviser Michael Yang, in the illegal drug trade. Andres said these claims would also be investigated thoroughly.
“Even if you are a public official, even if you are not a public official, the DOJ guarantees that your human rights will be respected in the process of investigation and prosecution,” Andres said.
