At the heart of the criminal activities that plagued the Philippines during Rodrigo Duterte’s administration
lies one undeniable common factor: Duterte himself.
In just seven Congressional hearings, the Quad Committee has sparked a revelation for the Filipino people,
unearthing information that had long been buried. Witnesses are bravely stepping forward, shedding light
on the sinister mechanisms established by Duterte and his allies within our police force, which
facilitated the wave of extrajudicial killings, drug trafficking, corruption, political prosecution, and other
despicable crimes.
Former PCSO board member Wesley Barayuga’s murder is a chilling example of the pervasive
manipulation of Duterte’s narcolist, which served as a tool for the state-sanctioned violence that marked
his administration. After being assassinated on July 30, 2020, Barayuga’s name was inexplicably added to
Duterte’s controversial drug list posthumously—a move that not only smeared his reputation but also
legitimized the violent acts carried out against him by the DDS-Cops, former PCSO General Manager
Royina Garma, and National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo. Recent testimonies presented
during the 7th Quad Comm hearing reveal a grim reality: Barayuga was targeted as part of a conspiracy
allegedly orchestrated by high-ranking officials closely connected to Duterte.
Similarly, Jed Patrick Mabilog’s case underscores the narcolist’s misuse. Initially praised for his
governance, Mabilog became a target after he dared to oppose Duterte’s regime. Labeled as one of the
most “stabilized” politicians, he found himself unjustly placed on the drug list without any real evidence.
This politically motivated action stemmed from his ties to former Senator Frank Drilon, a notable critic of
Duterte. Mabilog went on to publicly defend his record, showcasing his achievements in stark contrast to
Duterte’s claims and the unjust association with the narcolist.
The recent hearings conducted by the Quad Comm have unveiled a troubling interconnectedness
between illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), extrajudicial killings, the drug trade, and
other grave criminal activities, all traced back to Duterte’s administration. Under Duterte’s notorious anti-
drug campaign, characterized by his “I hate drugs” slogan, the nation witnessed systemic violence and
illegal killings masquerading as lawful actions against narcotics. Human rights advocates have long
accused Duterte and his circle of facilitating these extrajudicial killings under the guise of drug eradication. Yet, accountability had remained elusive—until the Quad Committee’s recent investigations.
Whistleblowers and insiders have now come forward with evidence illustrating that Duterte’s “I hate
drugs” mantra was, in actuality, a smoke screen to enable Duterte to control the drug trade and suppress
opposition. While rumors have circulated for years, the hearings disclose more concrete
connections. Senators Ronald “Bato” De La Rosa and Bong Go are implicated as key operatives in executing
Duterte’s bloody war on drugs, with testimonies indicating that the Philippine National Police (PNP) was
exploited to eliminate rival drug lords, thus consolidating power for Duterte and his allies. Senator Bato
reportedly followed Duterte’s directives, while Senator Bong Go funneled resources from illegal POGOs
to fund these operations.
Duterte’s allowance of POGOs in the Philippines, initially lauded for their revenue potential, now reveals
a darker side, the rise of illegal POGOs and criminal activities. The Quad Comm hearings have exposed
illegal POGOs as instruments for money laundering, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other illicit
activities—suggesting that Duterte sought their presence in the country to further his criminal enterprises.
As the Quad Committee continues its inquiries, the truth linking all these unspeakable acts back to
Duterte is becoming undeniable. The dedicated members of Quad Comm have stepped up to
commendable heights, tirelessly working to uncover the truth behind these injustices. Their commitment
to justice and accountability has been evident in their conduct of extensive hearings and rigorous inquiries
into the culture of extrajudicial killings, political persecution, and corruption that thrived during this dark
chapter. Thanks to the Quad Committee’s efforts, the Filipino people are becoming increasingly aware of
the grim realities surrounding the notorious narcolist, which was weaponized to target dissenters and
rivals, and the shocking exploitation of illegal POGOs for illicit activities has been exposed. We, Filipinos,
must rally behind the Quad Comm, know the facts, and support their cause.

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