'Hitman' allegedly hired by Philippines president won't receive state protection after revealing 'government's bloody secrets'
Edgar Matobato, 57, admitted involvement in around 50 abductions and murders and claimed his gang fed a suspected kidnapper to a crocodile in 2007
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A self-confessed hitman, who claims the Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte ran a hit squad and murdered people himself, will not receive state protection after a tell-all appearance before a Senate hearing into extra-judicial killings.
Edgar Matobato, 57, had told the hearing he was a member of Duterte's 300-strong 'Davao Death Squad' (DDS) when the president was mayor of Davao City in the southern Philippines.
He admitted involvement in around 50 abductions and murders and claimed his gang fed a suspected kidnapper to a crocodile in 2007.
Mr Matobato claimed the recently elected president killed targets himself including government officials.
Senate President Koko Pimentel stated on Facebook that the former contract killer would not be placed into protective custody because his life was not in danger.
Mr Pimentel said: "I've denied the request for protective custody of the witness Matobato because there is no Senate rule to justify it.
"There's even no showing that his life or safety is threatened."
Mr Duterte has been the subject of international condemnation in recent months in response to the thousands of alleged extra-judicial killings that have been carried out in the name of the government's war on drugs.
According to Inquirer.net, an estimated 465 killings took place at the behest of the Philippines government in Mr Duterte's first month in office.
President Duterte has declined to comment until the Senate hearing has concluded.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments