National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag on Tuesday said the affidavit of self-confessed former Davao Death Squad (DDS) member and former police officer Arturo Lascañas was among the documents reviewed by the agency’s special task force in connection with its investigation related to Vice President Sara Duterte.
During the eighth day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Matibag testified that Lascañas’ affidavit allegedly identified the Vice President as being involved in Oplan Tokhang and described her as one of its alleged architects.
“Sa kanyang affidavit na yan ay ating nakita at inilarawan po at sinasabi nitong ni Arturo Lascañas na ang Bise Presidente mismo ay kasama dun sa Oplan Tokhang, isa sa mga arkitekto ng Oplan Tokhang,” Matibag said.
According to Matibag, Lascañas’ affidavit also contained allegations that individuals suspected of involvement in illegal drugs were allegedly targeted for abduction instead of being killed openly to avoid media attention.
Matibag said the affidavit was submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is currently handling proceedings related to alleged extrajudicial killings.
“Sa pagkakaalam ko po, ang affidavit na ito ay nasumite po sa International Criminal Court na sa kasalukuyan po dumidinig ng kaso ng extrajudicial killings,” he said.
Lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro argued that the affidavit was relevant in establishing an alleged pattern of violence connected to the impeachment complaint.
“Your Honor, we are establishing the pattern of violence and this is very much relevant,” Luistro said.
However, the defense objected to Matibag’s testimony regarding the affidavit, arguing that he did not personally execute the document and therefore could not testify on its contents.
Defense counsel Atty. Martin Vinluan said, “The witness is not competent to provide an answer on an affidavit that he did not execute.”
The prosecution maintained that the affidavit may be considered a declaration against interest, citing Lascañas’ own claims in the document.
The Senate impeachment court has yet to rule on the admissibility of the affidavit as the proceedings continue.
