Former Philippine President Duterte Admits To Maintaining Death Squad

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during a senate inquiry on the so-called war on drugs during his administration at the Philippine Senate Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Manila, Philippi

During a Senate inquiry, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte revealed that he had operated a 'death squad' of gangsters to eliminate criminals while serving as mayor of a southern Philippine city. However, Duterte denied giving orders to police to execute thousands of suspects in the controversial anti-drug campaign during his presidency, which is under scrutiny by the International Criminal Court for potential crimes against humanity.

Duterte, 79, made his first public appearance since the end of his term in 2022 at the televised inquiry. The Senate is investigating the unprecedented scale of drug-related killings that occurred under Duterte's administration.

While acknowledging the existence of a death squad during his tenure as Davao city mayor, Duterte did not provide detailed explanations but mentioned having seven gangsters in the squad. He stated that he would instruct gangsters to carry out killings, emphasizing his tough stance on crime.

He denied giving orders for police to execute thousands of suspects during his presidency.

Duterte revealed operating a 'death squad' as mayor to eliminate criminals.

The International Criminal Court is investigating potential crimes against humanity in Duterte's anti-drug campaign.

No criminal charges have been filed against Duterte in Philippine courts for the killings.

Retired police officer Lascanas alleged up to 10,000 suspects were killed in Davao city on Duterte's orders.

Duterte expressed defiance during the hearing, vowing to eradicate drug dealers and criminals.

His presidency was marked by a confrontational approach towards critics and alliances with China and Russia.

Activists have condemned Duterte as a 'human rights calamity' for the high death toll in the war on drugs.

When questioned by senators about his involvement in extrajudicial killings, Duterte responded ambiguously and deferred further explanations to the next hearing. He vehemently denied ordering national police chiefs to engage in extrajudicial killings.

Despite the International Criminal Court's investigation, no criminal charges have been filed against Duterte in Philippine courts for the killings. Critics, including former Senator Leila de Lima, have accused Duterte of evading accountability for the deaths linked to his anti-drug campaign.

Arturo Lascanas, a retired police officer who served under Duterte, alleged that up to 10,000 suspects may have been killed in Davao city on Duterte's orders. Lascanas provided testimony and evidence to the International Criminal Court, suggesting the possibility of retrieving remains of victims for prosecution.

Duterte, known for his controversial leadership style and disregard for human rights, expressed defiance during the hearing, vowing to eradicate drug dealers and criminals if given another opportunity. His presidency, marked by a confrontational approach towards critics and alliances with China and Russia, concluded in 2022 after six tumultuous years in power.

Activists have condemned Duterte as a 'human rights calamity' for the high death toll in the war on drugs and his attacks on media, the Catholic church, and political opponents.