Rody, Bato won't attend House drug war probe

Former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa will not attend any hearing of the House committee on human rights meant for them to shed light on alleged extrajudicial killings during the previous administration's war against illegal drugs.

- EDITH REGALADO and CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Lawmakers are asking Duterte and Dela Rosa, who was then Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, to answer issues involving extrajudicial killings.

Duterte pointed out the House panel is not the proper forum for him to discuss any issue, particularly about the alleged extrajudicial killings.

The former president added that the matter should be brought before the courts, as that is the proper forum for such matters.

At a committee hearing last Tuesday, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas moved to invite the two personalities central to the past administration's drug war.

Duterte is believed to be responsible for the killings that paved the way for resource persons to support alleged human rights victims, like National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL) secretary general Kristina Conti, who said they believe Duterte should be held accountable.

It was Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., who chairs the House committee on human rights, who asked Conti and the group Rise Up for Life and for Rights regarding Duterte's possible accountability.