CHR corrects Andanar: Duterte not cleared in probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday denied the claim of Malacañang that the commission has cleared President Rodrigo Duterte from his alleged involvement in the killings committed by the so-called Davao Death Squad.

The CHR also said that the revelations made by former police officer Arthur Lascañas against the president on Monday will be taken into account in the investigation into the killings in Davao City during Duterte's tenure as its mayor.

In denying the allegations made by Lascañas, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Senate, Ombudsman and the CHR all cleared Duterte of his alleged involvement in the death squad.

But in response to Andanar, the CHR cited a 2012 resolution that urged the ombudsman to investigate the then-Davao City mayor for his supposed inaction to investigate the killings committed by the alleged vigilante group.

"The Commission did not clear the former mayor of Davao City of extra-judicial killings and his alleged involvement in the Davao death squad," the commission said in a statement.

"It is clear from the quoted portions of the Resolution that deaths have occurred in significant numbers and no investigations were conducted by the local government. Deaths continued to occur with impunity during the term of the former mayor," it added.

The CHR said extra-judicial killings may be committed not only by direct participation but also as a result of the failure of government to investigate and hold people to account.

"Tolerance or acquiescence to the killings is demonstrated by the inaction of state agents. Our previous investigation showed no serious efforts were undertaken to address the killings at the time," it said.

Revived complaint

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier dismissed the complaint against Duterte in connection to the so-called Davao Death Squad.

However, the case was reopened last year following the revelations made by self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato.

Lascañas initiallydenied the allegations made by Matobato, but on Monday recanted and tagged Duterte in various killings, including the murder of broadcaster Jun Pala in 2003.

Early last year, the CHR also reopened its investigation following the admissions made by Duterte during the campaign season.

However, CHR chairman Chito Gascon said their investigators hit a roadblock as they found difficulty in getting new evidence in Davao City.

The reinvestigation remained open, with the CHR saying any new information on the matter will be pursued and investigated.

"It is important to continue following all leads to uncover the truth on the Davao death squad," said Gascon.