- DCPO denies reward and quota system in city’s drug war
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) debunked the allegation that a reward and quota system fueled the city’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
During a press conference at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Oct. 16, DCPO spokesperson Capt. Hazel Tuazon further denied the existence of a so-called “Davao model,” which was allegedly replicated nationwide under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
She strongly rejected claims that the city police implemented a reward or quota system for killing drug suspects during operations.
The statement follows assertions by a retired police officer and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma, who claimed President Duterte personally sought her help to find an officer who would implement the “Davao model.”
Recently, former President Duterte expressed his willingness to appear before the House’s quad committee hearing to address allegations that he masterminded extrajudicial killings during his administration’s “war on drugs.”
“Let’s see. Why not? Yes. What do they want to learn from me?” Duterte said during a press briefing on Saturday evening, Oct. 5.
“If they invite me, I just hope they ask educated questions,” he added.
The quad committee is also investigating crimes linked to illegal POGO operators and illegal drugs.
Additionally, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go clarified that he had no involvement in the “war on drugs” initiated by former President Duterte.
Go denied Garma’s accusations that he was Duterte’s partner in the nationwide campaign against illegal drugs. He explained that, as the former special assistant to the President, his responsibilities were limited to arranging schedules, appointments, and engagements.
On Oct. 11, Garma submitted an affidavit implicating former President Duterte in orchestrating a nationwide campaign that led to extrajudicial killings (EJKs) of drug suspects during his term.
In her affidavit, submitted to the House quad committee, Garma provided new insights into the internal workings of the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, including the alleged reward system for EJKs.
Garma detailed a May 2016 meeting where Duterte instructed her to help find a Philippine National Police (PNP) officer to lead a national anti-drug task force, replicating the “Davao Model,” a system that rewards police for killings.
