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Representatives of the CHR-created Task Force listened intently as Chairperson Leila M. De Lima briefed the inter-agency group on their respective tasks pertaining to the unveiling of the mystery behind the killings perpetrated by, or attributable to the so-called Davao Death Squads (DDS).
Presided by Chair De Lima herself, the DDS Task Force members from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of National Defense (DND), Human Rights Affairs Office of both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to fully cooperate wit the CHR in its thrust to unravel the truth behind the serial-like, unexplained killings in Davao City.
The meeting was the first for the Task Force created only recently. Chair De Lima said the idea of forming the Team came from no less than PNP Chief Jesus A. Versoza when the latter appeared in the first of the CHR Public Hearings on the DDS in Davao City in March 30-31 this year.
“Your cooperation to shed light on the vigilante-style killings perpetrated by the Davao Death Squads in the southern part of the country drives us even more to put an end to these senseless loss of lives especially involving minors,” the CHR chief added during her briefing of the government representatives present at the meeting.
“Apparently, concerned officials are still in the state of denial on what’s really happening in Davao . It is of course understandable at this point. For one, the ‘goings on’ there is already a `public knowledge’ especially to the residents. But who is brave enough to expose himself knowing that his and his family’s life is on the line? Telling all in an open hearing is a major accomplishment to one self. Thus, for you (referring to the Task Force members) to assist us to document and persuade these people to testify poses a major challenge,” De Lima said.
The challenges in being part of the Team, according to De Lima, are bigger than any of the members of the Task Force can ever imagine. The CHR chief likewise clarified to the representatives of the DDS Task Force that the investigation of the DDS in Davao City by her Office is not in anyway motivated by any other reason other than by the mandate of the CHR which is to protect, to promote and fulfill human rights of every individual.
During the 3 Public Inquiries on the DDS held in Davao City and related sessions, such as executive sessions with families of victims and NGOs, as well as private/confidential interviews with informants, the CHR, according to De Lima, so far had achieved some ‘breakthroughs’ on its investigations. It was a rough sailing at first but eventually witnesses and informants came to the CHR and provided sensitive leads and information.
“DDS is no laughing matter and we maintain that it exits. Our priority now is witness protection for those who have cooperated and still to cooperate,” De Lima said.
The CHR will need about two more public hearings in Davao City and a final one at the CHR Central Office before it will be able to issues its Resolution.