DOJ may subpoena Rody for crimes vs humanity

The Department of Justice (DOJ) may subpoena former president Rodrigo Duterte in preparation for the possible filing of cases against him in local courts, including for crimes against humanity, as recommended by the quad committee of the House of Representatives.

- CHRISTINE BOTON and JANVIC MATEO

This was according to Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres, who confirmed on Thursday that the DOJ's National Prosecution Service (NPS) is set to carefully review the documents and evidence it received from the quad comm.

"We will consolidate all existing evidence, including this new committee report, as it contains vital information, disclosures and admissions that could lead to a deeper investigation," Andres said in a chance interview.

"If the evidence warrants, we will proceed with filing cases through the National Prosecution Service. However, we assure everyone that we will not file harassment cases. But when the evidence warrants, if we have sufficient evidence, we will,” Andres emphasized.

The former president is also being investigated for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for thousands of extrajudicial killings in the conduct of his war on drugs during his administration and when he was mayor of Davao City. Most of the victims were from impoverished communities.

Also recommended for prosecution with Duterte were Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Bong Go and former national police chief Debold Sinas.

On Nov. 6, the DOJ announced its creation of a task force to investigate killings linked to Duterte’s war on drugs, to ensure “fair and equitable justice” for victims of EJKs.