The House Quad Committee has received approval from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regarding its motion to file charges of crimes against humanity related to the extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war.
The CHR stated that it monitored all 13 hearings held from August to December 2024, as part of its duty to protect human rights and hold violators accountable.
“The CHR has been relentless in urging the Philippine government to bring full justice to the families of the victims of extrajudicial killings,” the commission said.
“Throughout the 13 hearings conducted by the QuadComm, the CHR has consistently monitored the testimonies, affidavits, and sworn statements of all resource persons,” it added.
The commission has focused particularly on the operations of the Davao Death Squad.
In response, members of the House Quad Committee introduced House Bill 10986, also known as the Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act, which aims to formally recognize extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in legislation and impose penalties on violators, with harsher penalties for state officials involved in such crimes.
“The commission also takes note of the QuadComm’s move to pass a law to classify extrajudicial killing as a heinous crime and holds accountable those who contribute to a culture of impunity where perpetrators act without fear of legal consequences,” the CHR stated.
The commission views the congressional inquiry and the resulting political actions as a “crucial step in reshaping the Philippines’ drug policy”.
“It is high time everyone recognizes that true justice requires sustainable and humane solutions and [the need to] establish measures to prevent future injustices. No one, regardless of position or rank, should be allowed to stand above the law,” the CHR concluded in its statement.
The Quad Committee has submitted its recommendations to relevant agencies, such as the Department of Justice, urging the filing of charges against Duterte, Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, and other individuals implicated in the drug war.
