Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the Duterte administration has reached a boiling point. At the heart of the drama is the ongoing standoff between Representative Robert Ace Barbers, the chair of the House Quad-Committee, and P/Col. Hector Grijaldo, the former Philippine National Police (PNP) officer at the center of the controversy. As the investigation delves deeper into the alleged drug war reward system, tensions have erupted, with Grijaldo’s repeated invocation of his right against self-incrimination fueling anger and frustration within the committee.
During the most recent hearing, the situation became tense when Barbers publicly rebuked Grijaldo for his refusal to cooperate. "The resource person is out of order," Barbers said in a scathing remark, adding, "Let it be of record that he is continuously disrespecting this committee by refusing to answer properly." Barbers didn’t stop there, taking a direct shot at Grijaldo’s earlier testimony in the Senate. "Matapang ka lang sa Senado dahil may kakampi ka? Dito ka magpakita ng tapang," Barbers challenged, questioning Grijaldo’s courage in the current setting. This pointed remark underscored the frustration boiling over within the committee, as Grijaldo’s ongoing silence continues to hinder the investigation.
The core of the investigation revolves around the explosive allegations of a cash reward system that allegedly incentivized police officers to kill drug suspects under the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Grijaldo, who was directly involved in the operations of the drug war, is now at the center of the inquiry. Former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma, a key witness, testified that the system was not only in place but was sanctioned by the highest levels of government, including former President Duterte. She claimed that cash rewards were offered to officers who could kill drug suspects, fueling concerns about the scale and brutality of the campaign.
Grijaldo’s testimony during his Senate appearance was equally controversial. He alleged that he was coerced by Representatives Dan Fernandez and Bienvenido Abante, co-chairs of the Quad-Committee, to confirm Garma’s statements. The two lawmakers, however, have denied any wrongdoing. In a joint statement, Fernandez and Abante reiterated their readiness to answer questions but firmly rejected Grijaldo’s accusations. "We have nothing to hide," they said, underscoring their commitment to transparency.
Despite these assurances, Grijaldo continues to invoke his right against self-incrimination, refusing to provide direct answers on key questions. This has led to growing frustration among committee members, who view his silence as a deliberate attempt to avoid revealing the full extent of his involvement in the alleged reward system and the larger issue of EJKs. Barbers, in particular, has been unrelenting in his pursuit of answers, stating that Grijaldo’s refusal to testify is not only a legal tactic but a sign of deeper, more troubling involvement. "Lying is just his secondary fault. He could be also into EJK, in abeyance to his patron’s order," Barbers remarked, suggesting that Grijaldo’s silence may be shielding powerful figures who orchestrated the violent drug war.
Adding complexity to the drama, Grijaldo’s health has become a focal point of the investigation. In December, he underwent shoulder surgery and has been undergoing physiotherapy since then. Grijaldo’s inability to attend hearings due to his health has sparked even more skepticism. The Quad-Committee, concerned about his prolonged absences, approved a motion in November for House physicians and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to verify his medical condition. Despite the investigation’s urgency, Grijaldo’s repeated failure to appear at hearings has raised questions about whether his health is truly the issue or if it’s being used as an excuse to avoid testifying.
In response to Grijaldo’s continued defiance, the Quad-Committee took a bold step by citing him for contempt. This action was followed by the issuance of an arrest order, demanding that Grijaldo be detained in the House of Representatives until the investigation is concluded. This decision marks a turning point in the investigation and underscores the committee’s determination to press forward, regardless of Grijaldo’s resistance.
As the investigation unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The allegations surrounding the reward system are not just about one man’s involvement but could potentially implicate top government officials in a network of corruption and violence. If proven, these claims would expose a system that incentivized the unlawful killing of drug suspects, bringing into question the very foundations of the war on drugs that claimed thousands of lives.
Grijaldo’s refusal to cooperate has only intensified suspicions about his role in the drug war. As a high-ranking officer involved in many of the operations, his testimony could be crucial in understanding the scale and execution of the extrajudicial killings. Yet, his invocation of self-incrimination has prevented the committee from obtaining the information they need. Grijaldo’s actions have raised concerns about his true motivations—whether he is simply protecting himself or if he is involved in covering up a larger conspiracy that reached the highest levels of the Duterte administration.
The Quad-Committee, led by Barbers, is unwavering in its commitment to uncovering the truth. Despite the obstacles posed by Grijaldo’s resistance, they remain determined to get answers. The investigation into the drug war reward system has the potential to become one of the most significant inquiries in Philippine history, shedding light on the brutal tactics used during the war on drugs and holding those responsible accountable.
As the committee prepares to move forward with the investigation, all eyes are on Grijaldo. Will he break his silence and testify, or will he continue to refuse, forcing the committee to take more drastic actions? The coming weeks will determine whether the truth about the drug war’s deadly legacy will finally be revealed, and whether those responsible for the thousands of deaths will be brought to justice. The drama surrounding the Quad-Committee’s investigation is far from over, and the nation is watching closely as the battle for truth continues.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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