Lawmaker claims active, ex-cops to spill beans on drug war abuses

MANILA – Active and retired police officers have expressed willingness to shed light on the bloody anti-illegal drug war of the previous administration, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said Friday.

"Marami na po ang nagpapadala ng feelers dito sa Quad Comm na maaaring makatulong sa ating investigation (There are many who already had sent feelers to the Quad Comm that may help in our investigation)," Barbers said in an interview.

Barbers, who chairs the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, was referring to the comprehensive inquiry that would look into possible links among Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Chinese syndicates, illegal drug trade, and extrajudicial killings (EJK).

"Lahat po ng gustong magsabi ng katotohanan dito sa ating committee hearings na gagawin ng Quad Comm, welcome na welcome po 'yan at 'yan po ay tatanggapin natin (Everyone who wants to reveal the truth before committee hearings of Quad Comm, that [development] is very much welcome and we would accommodate that)," he said.

The panel would vet those volunteering to become witnesses and assess the information they have.

Barbers stressed that the prospective witnesses could testify in open hearings or closed-door sessions, depending on whether the information would involve national security or might endanger their safety.

Barbers refused to identify the police officers who have sent feelers in order to protect them and to avoid early exposure that may cause them to change their minds.

"So, we're very, very careful about this because we want to help them, too," he said.

The Quad Comm is scheduled to hold an organizational meeting on Monday and to prepare for its first hearing on Aug. 15 to be conducted in Pampanga. (PNA)