In brief
Edgar Matobato, a former hit man for Rodrigo Duterte, speaks out about his past, confessing to numerous murders while currently living in hiding. His testimony may reshape the narrative surrounding Duterte’s controversial rule in the Philippines.
In the tangled web of violence and secrecy that has characterized the Philippines' tumultuous political landscape, Edgar Matobato emerges as a central figure tied to the infamous death squads of former President Rodrigo Duterte. In an interview conducted in a concealed location, Matobato detailed his horrific experiences as an assassin over nearly 24 years, claiming he was responsible for countless deaths.Matobato recounted the various methods of murder he employed, from strangulation using a makeshift noose to the brutal efficiency of his trusted .45-caliber Colt M1911 pistol. While he described a particularly gruesome incident where he fed a victim to a crocodile, he emphasized that most of his killings were carried out with the cold precision of a firearm. "I am trying to remember, but I cannot remember everyone," he stated remorsefully, surrounded by the sounds of rain and the distant hum of mosquitoes.The former hit man has been living in seclusion for over a decade since he first confessed to his crimes, which he alleges were ordered by Duterte during his tenure as mayor of Davao City. Matobato expressed his fear for his life, as he seeks to testify about the atrocities he witnessed and committed on behalf of a regime that has notoriously dismissed such claims. Amidst the downpour, he reflected on the weight of his past actions, underscoring a sense of guilt that haunts him.His testimony could serve as a crucial piece of evidence in understanding the dark underbelly of Duterte's administration, revealing the extent of violence sanctioned against the backdrop of the nation's war on drugs. As Matobato seeks to unveil his truths, the stakes rise not just for him, but for the countless lives affected by the bloodshed he was complicit in.
