Explosive Testimony: Congressman Exposes Systematic Killings in the Duterte Era

 

The Chilling Testimony: Uncovering a Systematic Pattern of Extrajudicial Killings

In a gripping congressional joint Quad Committee Hearing, Congressman Johnny Pimentel led the interpolation, directing his inquiries to Mr. Leopoldo "Tata" Tan, Jr. The questions revolved around a detailed affidavit submitted by Mr. Tan, shedding light on a chilling narrative involving extrajudicial killings allegedly sanctioned by high-ranking officials. 

Direct Orders from a High-Ranking Officer

The session began with Congressman Pimentel confirming Mr. Tan's identity and establishing a rapport. He then focused on the contents of Tan’s affidavit, specifically the events of July 2016 when SPO4 Arthur Narsolis approached Tan with a grim task. According to Tan, Narsolis informed him of a job—an assassination order—on behalf of unnamed higher-ups, implying a green light from the top brass. This job involved the killing of individuals, a task that Tan understood to mean murder.

The Murders and the Involvement of High Officials

Tan revealed that he knew Narsolis from high school, which perhaps made the conversation easier, albeit morbid. Narsolis allegedly handed Tan a piece of paper listing two names to be assassinated. The hearing later revealed that this was part of a broader list of 3 Chinese nationals involved in drug-related activities. These killings were not random acts of violence but seemingly organized, with Narsolis allegedly suggesting that the orders had the backing of the highest levels of authority, perhaps even the President at the time, Rodrigo Duterte.

Tan’s testimony took a darker turn when he mentioned that Narsolis promised rewards for carrying out these killings—specifically, one million pesos per head. However, after the deed was done, Tan received only two million pesos, far less than what was promised.

The Network of Power and Corruption

Further into the interrogation, Congressman Pimentel requested the presence of SPO4 Arthur Narsolis, noting his pivotal role in orchestrating the murders. According to Tan, Narsolis was not acting alone; he was part of a grand conspiracy involving members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 11, led by Col. Edilberto Leonardo. This conspiracy was not only about Narsolis but also implicated high-ranking officials who, according to Tan, wielded immense power and influence.

Pimentel’s interrogation sought to unravel this web of corruption, pushing to invite key figures, including Lt. Col. Royina Garma, the former police chief of Cebu City and former head of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Garma was allegedly present during crucial moments, further deepening her involvement in the case. The Congressman emphasized the need to invite her to the next committee hearing to shed more light on her role in the operations.

A Systematic and Patterned Approach to Executions

The hearing painted a picture of a systematic approach to these extrajudicial killings, with a pattern that spanned across various detention centers. Congressman Pimentel urged the committee to obtain a list of Chinese nationals detained for drug trafficking and who had died between July 2016 and 2017. This request aimed to establish a clear pattern of executions, linking them directly to the anti-drug war of the previous administration.

Tan’s affidavit also implicated other officials, such as Superintendent Gerardo Padilla, who allegedly played a key role in facilitating the killings. Padilla, as mentioned by Tan, allowed him and his accomplice, Fernando "Andy" Magdadaro, to leave the prison to meet with Narsolis and later instructed them to dispose of the murder weapons. This revelation led Pimentel to push for Padilla’s invitation to the hearing, highlighting the grand conspiracy that connected top to bottom officials in the chain of command.

The Bigger Picture

As the interrogation continued, the narrative expanded to include more players in this dark chapter of the nation's history. Pimentel highlighted the relationships and connections between these individuals, suggesting that the orders may have originated from the former president and trickled down through the chain of command. He noted that these operations were not isolated incidents but part of a broader, more organized effort to eliminate perceived threats under the guise of a drug war.

A Grand Conspiracy Emanating from the Top

The hearing concluded with Congressman Pimentel making a powerful statement. He emphasized that such a widespread and coordinated effort to kill Chinese nationals across various detention centers would have been impossible without direct approval from the highest levels of the administration. He asserted his belief that this was a great conspiracy, one that started from the very top and permeated down through the ranks of small officials.

"This is my point," Pimentel declared, "and that is what we will try to prove in this committee."

This concludes the detailed account of the congressional hearing, encapsulating the key revelations and accusations made by Congressman Pimentel. The narrative illustrates a systematic pattern of extrajudicial killings, allegedly sanctioned by the previous administration, leaving readers with a profound sense of the gravity of the situation.