Davao City, Philippines — In a show of solidarity, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte pledged his personal support to the family of Police Colonel Hector Grijaldo, who is currently under scrutiny in the QuadCom’s (Quadrennial Commission) ongoing investigation into the controversial war on drugs. Mayor Duterte expressed his commitment to assisting Grijaldo’s family should the officer face financial setbacks due to the proceedings, encouraging the public to offer additional support to meet the family’s needs.
Grijaldo, who recently attended a Senate hearing as a resource person, revealed what he described as unethical pressure from Manila City Representative Benny Abante and Santa Rosa Representative Dan Fernandez during a QuadCom hearing in the House last month. According to Grijaldo, the two congressmen attempted to compel him to confirm the existence of a “reward system” tied to the anti-drug campaign during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. The colonel disclosed feeling both harassed and insulted by the lawmakers’ approach, as he believed they were pressuring him to present false information.
“I feel like I’ve been corrupted to make that statement. I felt insulted and it was very offensive and uncalled for. At that time, I was wearing my uniform as a police officer,” Grijaldo stated. He went on to describe the experience as a violation of his integrity and commitment to truthfulness, highlighting the toll that such encounters can take on police officers caught in politically charged investigations.
In response to Grijaldo’s claims, Rep. Fernandez acknowledged the meeting, explaining that it was at the request of former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma, who allegedly saw Grijaldo as a credible witness to verify the rumored reward system. However, Fernandez’s clarification was widely perceived as an attempt to downplay the nature of the meeting, which some view as an effort to elicit a fabricated testimony.
Mayor Duterte’s offer to assist Grijaldo’s family underscores the unique pressures faced by law enforcement officials involved in the probe. He assured that he would cover the family’s essential needs—including food and the children’s tuition—should the investigation impede Grijaldo’s ability to provide for them. “Kung ipitin ‘yon, wala ‘yung sweldo, magdadagdag ako. Sabihan ninyo ako, mag-aambag ako. Let’s make it a real thing,” the mayor stated. “Padalhan natin ng pagkain ang pamilya. Lahat—pagkain, pera, tuition ng mga anak. Gawin talaga natin ‘yon.”
As the QuadCom investigation progresses, Grijaldo’s case underscores the difficulties faced by officers caught between political pressures and personal integrity. Mayor Duterte’s words are resonating with a public that continues to grapple with the impact of the anti-drug campaign, now the subject of intense scrutiny from both national and international bodies. The outcome of these proceedings may determine the extent of accountability for past actions while shaping the future for those still upholding their commitment to the nation’s security.
