Inmates Claim Duterte Ordered 2016 Prison Killings; Quad-Committee Investigating POGOs, EJKs to Invite Ex-Pres

August 22, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Two inmates claim that former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered them to kill three Chinese drug convicts in 2016. Fernando Magdadaro and Leopoldo Tan Jr., both of whom were detained at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm at the time, made the allegations during a House probe held earlier today, August 22, 2024.

Magdadaro and Tan testified that police officials coerced them into the killings, promising P1 million and freedom in return. According to their account, they executed the murders by stabbing the three Chinese individuals on August 13, 2016.

Tan detailed a conversation he claimed to have overheard following the murders. “Ang sabi po sa akin, may basbas sa taas ‘yan,” Tan was quoted as saying in a report published by GMA Network. (“I was told that there was a blessing from above.”)
Tan recounted hearing Superintendent Padilla’s phone ring shortly after the killings. “Habang naglalakad kami papuntang Investigation Section [pagkatapos naming patayin ang mga Chinese], tumunog ang cellphone ni Superintendent Padilla. Nakita ko na pinindot ni Superintendent Padilla ang kanyang cellphone,” Tan said.

(“While we were walking towards the Investigation Section [after killing the Chinese], Superintendent Padilla’s phone rang. I saw Superintendent Padilla press his phone.”)

Tan continued, “Nadinig ko na sinabi nung tumawag kay Superintendent Padilla, ‘Congrats Superintendent Padilla, job well done… Alam ko na ang kausap ni Superintendent Padilla ay si Presidente Duterte dahil pamilyar ko ang boses niya,’” he claimed.

(“I heard the caller say to Superintendent Padilla, ‘Congrats Superintendent Padilla, job well done… I knew that the person talking to Superintendent Padilla was President Duterte because I recognized his voice.’”)

Magdadaro also expressed frustration that their promised freedom never materialized. “Hinintay namin yung pinangakong paglaya namin pero hanggang ngayon kami pa rin ay nasa loob ng kulungan. Ibinibigay ko itong salaysay na ito dahil sa galit ko sa kanila,” he said.

(“We waited for the promised release, but we are still imprisoned. I am giving this account because of my anger towards them.”)

House Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales motioned to invite Duterte to the inquiry to provide his side of the story. The motion passed without objection.

However, former President Duterte’s spokesperson, Harry Roque, stated in June that Duterte would not attend the probe. “As guaranteed by our Bill of Rights, Congress cannot compel former President Duterte to be a witness against himself,” Roque said. “Our former President firmly believes that the Lower House is not the proper forum to investigate any criminal allegation against him,” he added.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is already investigating Duterte and other top officials for alleged crimes against humanity related to their drug war during his presidency. The House Quad Committee is also examining extrajudicial killings and illegal activities, including drugs and illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within the country.