House probe on extrajudicial killings: Osmeña to testify?

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña has been invited by the House of Representatives, as a resource speaker in the upcoming hearing tomorrow in an ongoing investigation on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) and extrajudicial killings.

In a letter obtained by the media, it was indicated that the Joint Committee is inviting Osmeña as a resource person in the upcoming hearing on Thursday, 19 September 2024, at 9:30 a.m., at the People's Center, House of Representatives, Quezon City.

This was signed by Robert Ace Barbers, who is also the chairman of the Committee on Drugs of the House of Representatives. Osmeña was invited as a speaker about its ongoing investigation of illegal POGO and extra-judicial killings.

The same letter also read that the Joint Committee is aware of the recent POGO raid in Sitio Kadulang, Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on August 8, 2024.

It, however, was not stated whether the said raid was the same one that happened in a hotel in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City last August 31, 2024, where more than 100 foreign nationals, including Chinese, Indonesians, and Burmese from Myanmar, as well as five Filipino administrators or managers, were found inside the facility.

“Your testimonies might provide insights and vital information for possible legislations. Should you deem it appropriate however, you may execute and furnish the committee your affidavit on any pertinent issues being investigated,” read an excerpt of the letter.

Previously, it was reported by radio dyHP, that Osmeña manifested his intent to attend the investigation, relative to the extrajudicial killings.

In the same report, Osmeña said that he has information on the EJK, which includes the victims, among others.

This invitation came shortly after former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma was cited in contempt by the quad committee of the House of Representatives, last September 13.

It was reported that Garma was deemed to have lied to lawmakers during the joint panel’s probe into the 2016 killing of three convicted Chinese drug traffickers at the Davao penal colony.

Garma served as the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director under the Duterte administration. Osmeña was reported to have been a vocal critic of Garma’s stint as city director.— (FREEMAN)