Fernando “Andy” Magdadaro (left), Leopoldo "Tata" Tan Jr. (Facebook)

A lawyer-congresswoman from Batangas believes that the two inmates' implication of former president Rodrigo Duterte in the 2016 killings of three convicted Chinese drug lords can help establish a case for “crimes against humanity” during his administration. 

Batangas 2nd district Rep. Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" Luistro had this to say in light of the grim testimonies made by inmates Leopoldo "Tata" Tan Jr. and Fernando “Andy” Magdadaro during the House quad-committee (quad-comm) hearing on Thursday, Aug. 22. 

Tan and Magdadaro claimed in separate testimonies that they stabbed to death the three convicted drug lords within their shared jail cell at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) in August 2016. 

They allegedly did so in order to fulfill a "job" offer that was coursed through jail officials by "the President". 

“I humbly submit, that at the very least, the crime of murder under the Revised Penal Code, particularly under Article 248 has been established. Two qualifying circumstances are present. One, is evident premeditation, pinagplanuhan ang pagpatay. Second, killing was done in consideration of prize, reward or pledge, ang pagpatay ay dahil sa ibinayad na pera at ipinangakong kalayaan,” Luistro said. 

(The killings were carried out due to the payment of cash and promise of freedom.) 

“However, Mr. Chair, if there are evidence to establish that this incident is part of the widespread or systematic attack against civilian population, then crime against humanity, under Article 7, Rome Statute is likewise established,” she said. 

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating ex-president Duterte for alleged “crimes against humanity" in connection with his bloody war on drugs. 

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However, the Philippines withdrew its membership from the Rome Statute during Duterte's presidency. The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the ICC. 

“I humbly submit, Mr. Chair, that on the assumption that there are other evidence to establish the widespread and systematic attack against civilian population, we have a case for extrajudicial killing, Mr. Chair. And I urge the honorable members of quad comm and even of the 19th Congress, this is not only illegal – this is immoral, let us work together: condemn and fight extrajudicial killing,” Luistro said. 

Duterte served in Malacañang from 2016 to 2022. Critics of the drug war claim that over 30,000 people were slain during this time as a result of the campaign.