In just seven Congressional hearings, the Quad Committee has sparked a revelation for the Filipino people, unearthing information that had long been buried.
Witnesses are bravely stepping forward, shedding light on the sinister mechanisms established by the Duterte administration and its allies within our own police force, which facilitated the wave of extrajudicial killings, drug trafficking, corruption, political prosecution and other despicable crimes.
Former PCSO board member Wesley Barayuga’s murder is a chilling example of the pervasive manipulation of Duterte’s narcolist, which served as a tool for the state-sanctioned violence that marked his administration. After being assassinated on July 30, 2020, Barayuga’s name was inexplicably added to
Duterte’s controversial drug list posthumously—a move that not only smeared his reputation but also legitimized the violent acts carried out against him. Being linked to this are former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma and National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo.
Recent testimonies presented during the 7th Quad Comm hearing reveal a grim reality: Barayuga was targeted as part of a conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by high-ranking officials closely allied with the administration at that time.
Similarly, the case of former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog underscores the misuse of the narcolist. Initially praised for his governance, Mabilog became a target after he dared to oppose Duterte’s regime.
Labelled as one of the most “shabulized” politicians, he found himself unjustly placed on the drug list without any real evidence.
This politically-motivated action stemmed from his ties to former Senator Frank Drilon, a notable critic of Duterte. Mabilog went on to publicly defend his record, showcasing his achievements in stark contrast to Duterte’s claims and his unjust association with the narcolist.
The recent hearings conducted by the Quad Comm have unveiled a troubling interconnectedness between illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), extrajudicial killings, the drug trade and other grave criminal activities, all tracing back to Duterte’s administration.
Under his anti-drug campaign, characterized by his “I hate drugs” slogan, the nation witnessed systemic violence and illegal killings masquerading as lawful actions against narcotics. Human rights advocates have long chided these extrajudicial killings done under the guise of drug eradication, yet accountability had remained elusive—until the Quad Committee’s recent investigations.
While rumors have circulated for years, the hearings are disclosing more concrete connections. Senators Ronald “Bato” De La Rosa and Bong Go are implicated as key operatives in executing Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, with testimonies indicating that the Philippine National Police (PNP) was
exploited to eliminate alleged drug lords.
Duterte’s allowance of POGOs in the Philippines, initially lauded for their revenue potential, now reveals a darker side, the rise of illegal POGOs and criminal activities.
The Quad Comm hearings have exposed illegal POGOs as instruments for money laundering, human trafficking, drug trafficking and other illicit
activities—suggesting that their presence in the country was sought to further criminal enterprises.
As the Quad Committee continues its inquiries, the truth linking all these unspeakable acts back to Duterte is becoming undeniable. The dedicated members of Quad Comm have stepped up to commendable heights, tirelessly working to uncover the truth behind these injustices. Their commitment
to justice and accountability has been evident in their conduct of extensive hearings and rigorous inquiries into the culture of extrajudicial killings, political persecution and corruption that thrived during this dark
chapter.
Thanks to the Quad Committee’s efforts, the Filipino people are becoming increasingly aware of the grim realities surrounding the notorious narcolist, which was weaponized to target dissenters and rivals and the shocking exploitation of illegal POGOs for illicit activities has been exposed.
We, Filipinos, must rally behind the Quad Comm, know the facts and support their cause.
