Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegation of the existence of a reward system for every illegal drug personality killed in the past administration’s drug war.
Marbil ordered the probe following the revelation made by retired police colonel and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chairperson Royina Garma about the reward system in the PNP.
"We take these allegations very seriously. We will thoroughly investigate Garma’s claims to ensure accountability and transparency within our ranks,” said Marbil.
“It is important to restore public trust in the PNP, particularly in light of the recalibrated anti-drug campaign aimed at prioritizing human rights,” he added.
In her statement during the House of Representatives’ Quad-Committee hearing, Garma claimed that former president Rodrigo Duterte and other high-ranking officials from his administration sanctioned covert operations replicating the Davao City model of alleged extrajudicial killings on a national scale.
She also disclosed that the reward system in the drug war includes reward if the suspect is killed, funding of planned operations, and refund of operational expenses.
Her affidavit named several members of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) classes of 1996 and 1997, whom she allegedly actively participated in these operations.
Ex-PNP chiefs should explain
Garma also claimed that former PNP chiefs were aware of the covert operations, which prompted Marbil to urge former PNP chiefs in the past administration to explain their side.
She also pledged to provide more details and names in an upcoming Executive Session with the QuadComm.
This raised questions about the potential serious implications for those involved in the controversial drug policies of the Duterte administration.
Full trust
Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur” Abalos has expressed confidence that Marbil would be able to ferret out the truth regarding the allegation of Garma.
“This allegation is very serious and concerning. A thorough investigation must be conducted to ferret out the truth and to punish those who need to be punished,” said Abalos in a statement.
“I personally know General (Rommel Francisco) Marbil. I am confident that as PNP chief, he will not let this pass so I am expecting a deep investigation into this matter,” he added.
Abalos said that as former DILG secretary, he was saddened by the allegation as he is aware that only a few policemen are not respecting the rule of law in the conduct of operations.
Abalos said internal cleansing is one of his major priorities in order to win back the hearts and minds of the Filipino people when he was still with the DILG.
He said this resulted in the dismissal of hundreds of policemen and the punishment of hundreds more. In terms of drug war, Abalos said that he made sure that the PNP operational procedures and existing laws were not disregarded. (With reports from Ellson Quismorio)