Quadcom to trace money trail in Duterte drug war

House of Representatives (Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Zaldy De Layola, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The next step of the House Quad Committee (Quadcom) investigating the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the Duterte administration is to trace the money trail used to incentivize police officers in the bloody war on drugs.

This is according to Quadcom co-chairs Reps. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. and Dan Fernandez, who said on Wednesday that the mega-panel is seeking assistance from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to track the cash flow tied to these operations.

The move comes after the testimony of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Royina Garma, who alleged that cash rewards for carrying out EJKs were funneled through the banking system.

A retired police colonel with close ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte, Garma exposed the reward system behind the killings and detailed the roles of Duterte and his close aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in overseeing the lethal anti-drug operations.

“The Quad Comm will leave no stone unturned. Those who profited from the killings must be held accountable, and the AMLC is key to tracking down these illicit transactions that led to the deaths of innocent civilians,” Abante said.

Fernandez, on the other hand, added that “the use of financial institutions for illegal activities is a serious crime.

“We will follow every lead to ensure that those responsible face justice,” he added.

The Quadcom plans to formally request AMLC’s assistance within the week.

Lawmakers believe the financial probe will shed light on the full extent of the money trail behind Duterte’s violent anti-drug campaign.

Abante and Fernandez called on police officers who may have received cash rewards to come forward.

“Your testimony could be critical to uncovering the truth. This is the time to speak up,” said Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights.

Fernandez, who heads the Committee on Public Order and Safety, assured that those who cooperate would be treated fairly and promised those involved a chance to help clear the air and ensure justice is served.

The panels led by Abante and Fernandez, along with the Committees on Dangerous Drugs and Public Accounts chaired by Surigao 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers and Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, respectively, vowed to see the investigation through.

They stressed that no one is above the law and that all responsible will be held accountable, regardless of rank or station.

“The financial probe is a key step in the committee’s investigation into the thousands of deaths during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. By determining the source of the funds and identifying the recipients, the Quad Committee seeks to reveal the financial networks behind the extrajudicial killings, potentially exposing key figures who profited from the violence. This deeper look at financial flows could link high-ranking officials to the operations, uncovering the full extent of accountability in the drug war,” they said.