Sanson Buenaventura, a former senior police officer and security driver for former president Rodrigo Duterte, strongly rejected claims made by Edgar Matobato, who accused him of being the “boss” of a group connected to the Davao Death Squad (DDS).
During the 10th hearing of the House Quad Committee on November 7, Buenaventura vehemently denied any involvement with the alleged death squad, insisting that throughout his two decades working for Duterte, he had only ever served as a security driver.
When Representative Gerville Luistro asked Buenaventura about his experience working with Duterte, the former officer described the former president as “nice and kind,” reiterating that their relationship remained professional throughout his tenure.
“Para sa akin, mabait si Mayor Duterte,” Buenaventura said, adding that his two decades of service, from 1988 to 2008, involved no connection to the alleged death squad, and that he was unaware of its existence.
Buenaventura was also questioned about the identities of those allegedly linked to the Davao Death Squad. He clarified that he had only heard their names in media reports and denied any personal knowledge of the individuals.
“Yun sabi sa newspaper, sa media… Narinig ko lang yan ma’am kasi ang nagbigay ng pangalan niyan is media… I did not deny, narinig ko lang, your honor,” he explained.
“Sa akin your honor, narinig ko lang. So kung nagsabi ang Presidente, narinig ko lang sa kanya,” he added.
Although Buenaventura denied any knowledge of the death squad or its alleged members, he did confirm that Duterte was referred to as “Superman” when they communicated via radio. He explained that this was a call sign used among their small group.
“Yun ang call sign ni Mayor noong may radyo pa kami. Superman. Sa amin lang yun. Iyon ang call sign niya sa radio,” Buenaventura said.
This detail aligns with previous testimonies, including those of former senator Leila de Lima and retired officer Arturo Lascañas, who had also mentioned that Davao Death Squad members referred to Duterte as “Superman.”
Despite the ongoing controversy, Buenaventura remained firm in his loyalty to Duterte. When pressed by Representative Luistro about his willingness to protect the former president, even at the risk of his own life, Buenaventura was unequivocal.
“Dahil sa taas ng inyong loyalty at dedikasyon ninyo sa kanya, wala ho kayong sasabihin na ikakapahamak niya? Tama ho ba?” Luistro asked.
“Tama po,” Buenaventura said.
Luistro then asked Buenaventura if he would lie to protect Duterte, to which he firmly replied, “Hindi ho.”
The congresswoman pressed further, asking, “Kung kailangan ninyo ialay ang buhay ninyo mailigtas lang ang dating Pangulo, gagawin ninyo po ba iyon?” To which Buenaventura responded without hesitation, “Yes, your honor.”