House Quad Committee Chair and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers admitted that he previously supported Former President Rodrigo Duterte during his term.
In an interview on Dos Por Dos on Monday, Barbers affirmed his support for Duterte, particularly in the war on drugs campaign. However, he emphasized that he condemns unlawful killings and abuses.
"Hindi ko dine-deny 'yun, in fact, isa ako sa unang pumalakpak," Barbers said.
"Mahigit 30 shabu laboratory ang nabuwag, pumalakpak ako diyan. Noong may nahuling high-value targets at drug lords, pumalakpak din ako diyan. Pumalakpak din ako noong nakita nating successful na war on drugs. Pero ang kino-kondena ko ay ang walang habas na pagpatay at mga umabuso na marami 'yan," he added.
The Congressman stated that the Quad Committee's investigation has led them to believe that there were instances where individuals who did not resist law enforcement were still killed.
This statement came in response to accusations that he had changed his position on Duterte.
"Sa mga nagsasabi na nagbago ang aking posisyon, mag-isip-isip muna sila. In fact, gusto ko tuloy-tuloy sana [war on drugs] except the killings," Barbers clarified.
He also stressed that his praise was directed at the actions of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) during Duterte's administration, not the killings. Furthermore, he condemned the alleged reward system given to policemen.
"Tandaan natin during that time, pandemic, bawal ang lumabas kaya malaki ang factor [pagbaba ng krimen]. Uulitin ko, hindi dapat pumatay, kung nanlaban, malamang dumipensa. Pero yung gawing polisiya na palabanin [iba na 'yun]," said Barbers.
Barbers also noted that despite the war on drugs campaign, cases of illegal drugs still persist in the country.
The House Quad Committee has invited former President Duterte to a hearing on October 22 to "provide valuable insights" into the ongoing probe.
