DOJ probes Davao death squads, Duterte

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) is pursuing its investigation of the alleged involvement of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in unexplained killings purportedly perpetrated by Davao death squads (DDS).

Officials confirmed yesterday that the National Bureau of Investigation has been conducting the fact-finding probe since last year and revealed to The STAR that a possible state witness who “used to be part of the DDS and has personal knowledge about the killings” has remained in NBI custody.

The NBI’s death investigation division is also in the process of “verifying information” provided in the affidavit of the witness.

The DOJ officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they would have to wait for the results of the NBI probe before they could act and conduct a preliminary investigation.

In June last year, then justice secretary and now senatorial candidate Leila de Lima bared plans to probe Duterte, saying the allegations against the DDS and the feisty mayor were “very serious and disturbing” and that the NBI would “validate and build the case.”

Law experts earlier explained that extrajudicial killings are “criminal acts which cannot be justified” even when allowed by government officials, who could be held liable under the US Alien Torture Act.

As an example, they cited the case where the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was ordered to pay billions in damages to human rights victims during the martial law years.