Davao Death Squad Hitman Escapes Philippines with Fake Identity

Edgar Matobato, Former Hitman, Escapes Philippines in Pursuit of Justice

A High-Stakes Flight to Freedom

After a decade spent under the cloud of his past, Edgar Matobato, the self-proclaimed assassin and former member of the infamous Davao Death Squad (DDS), has successfully evaded justice in the Philippines. According to a gripping report by Hannah Beech in The New York Times, Matobato and his family made a daring escape using carefully constructed false identities and forged travel documents.

The Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines has confirmed its intention to launch an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Matobato’s disappearance. However, the intricate details of his escape remain shrouded in secrecy. Matobato, according to Beech’s report, transformed himself into a “gardener,” weaving a fabricated history and altering his appearance. he diligently practiced his new name,but the syllables,laden with the weight of his past,still felt foreign on his tongue.

“Mr.Matobato had managed to obtain a new identity with a new passport and a new job description: gardener,” wrote Beech. “He practiced saying his new name, first, middle and last, but the syllables came out funny, with a question mark hanging over them. His thick hair had been shaved, and he wore large glasses and a gray goatee. A mask covered part of his face,” the report continued.

While the precise timing and route of their departure remain undisclosed, it is known that Matobato and his family initially flew to Dubai before embarking on a lengthy journey to an undisclosed country. There,they hope to forge a new life,free from the constant fear that had haunted them in the Philippines.

Seeking Justice Through the International Criminal Court

Matobato, who for years had openly expressed his willingness to testify before the International Criminal Court (ICC), has stated that he would not seek immunity in exchange for his testimony. His decision underscores his determination to hold those responsible for the extrajudicial killings allegedly committed by the Davao Death Squad accountable. “I don’t want immunity,” Matobato said. “I want justice.”

A Shadowy Past: Accusations and the Davao Death Squad

Matobato’s escape comes against the backdrop of years of accusations and investigations into the Davao Death Squad, a vigilante group alleged to have carried out hundreds of extrajudicial killings in Davao City during the time Rodrigo Duterte served as mayor. matobato himself claimed to have participated in these killings, describing a chilling system of abduction, torture, and murder.

The ICC launched a preliminary examination into the allegations in 2016, and in 2021, the court authorized a full-blown investigation into the Davao Death Squad and Duterte’s alleged role. Duterte has consistently denied any involvement in the killings, branding the allegations as politically motivated.

Matobato’s escape, and his willingness to testify before the ICC, could prove to be a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Davao Death Squad.His testimony could shed light on the inner workings of the group and provide crucial evidence against those responsible.

ICC Investigation Links Philippine President to Extrajudicial Killings

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a groundbreaking ruling that connects Philippine President Rodrigo duterte to a notorious “death squad” allegedly responsible for hundreds of extrajudicial killings during his tenure as mayor of Davao City.

Davao Death Squad Allegations

In a landmark ruling on September 15, 2021, the ICC stated, “The Chamber notes in particular the information to the effect that a so-called ‘Davao Death Squad’ operated, and that local law enforcement units were heavily involved in its operation. there is information that in 2011-2015 there were around 385 victims of extrajudicial killings in Davao.”

These allegations have been the subject of intense scrutiny for years. Former Davao City hitmen Edgar Matobato and Arturo Lascañas provided chilling testimonies against Duterte, accusing him of orchestrating the killings. The Philippine Congress,through separate investigations by the house of Representatives and the Senate,has also investigated the controversial drug war,which saw thousands killed under Duterte’s presidency.

duterte Denies Involvement

Duterte has consistently denied any involvement in the extrajudicial killings, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. He has maintained that his tough stance on crime was necessary to maintain law and order in Davao City.

A History of Accusations

Matobato first gained notoriety in 2016 when he testified before the Philippine senate during an investigation into extrajudicial killings linked to the drug war. Backed by then-Senator Leila de Lima, Matobato provided disturbing details about the DDS’s operations. His testimony largely fell on deaf ears among Duterte’s supporters,with Lascañas initially denying Matobato’s account. However, Lascañas later recanted his denial, confirming the truth of Matobato’s allegations.

“He practiced saying his new name, first, middle and last, but the syllables came out funny, with a question mark hanging over them. His thick hair had been shaved, and he wore large glasses and a gray goatee. A mask covered part of his face,” a report recounted of Matobato’s transformation as he prepared for his testimony.

Despite these testimonies, the Duterte administration dismissed the accusations, citing inconsistencies and loopholes in their statements. Matobato subsequently filed a complaint against Duterte with the Office of the Ombudsman, but no action was taken. This led to mounting calls for the ICC to intervene and investigate the killings.

The ICC Investigation and the Davao Death Squad

in 2021, the ICC prosecutor requested authorization to formally open a full-scale investigation in the Philippines. The request included the killings attributed to the DDS in Davao City.The prosecutor’s request highlighted the scale of the alleged atrocities, stating: “The details indicate that law enforcement and members of DDS killed more than 1,000 people in Davao from 1988 to 2016. In 2015, Duterte publicly stated that ‘around 1,700’ people had been killed,”

The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber approved the investigation, accepting the prosecutor’s evidence regarding the DDS’s involvement in extrajudicial killings. This investigation signifies a major growth in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

The Long Shadow of the Davao Death Squad: Matobato speaks from Exile

The specter of extrajudicial killings haunts the Philippines, with former hitman Edgar Matobato at the center of a storm of controversy. Matobato, a self-proclaimed member of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), fled the country under mysterious circumstances, seeking asylum from what he claims is a legacy of violence and fear.

A Fugitive’s story: Escape and Exile

In an exclusive interview with Archyde, Matobato recounted his harrowing escape, painting a chilling picture of life in hiding. “It wasn’t easy,” he confessed.”For years, I lived in fear, knowing that my past could catch up with me at any moment.”

To protect himself and his family, Matobato assumed a new identity, shedding his past life like a snakeskin. He became a “gardener” with a new name, a shaved head, glasses, and a goatee – a carefully constructed facade to evade the shadows of his past.

Their escape was a perilous journey,involving forged documents and a clandestine flight from the Philippines,with Dubai serving as a temporary haven before reaching their final destination. “It’s a place where we hope to rebuild our lives, far from the dangers we faced in the Philippines,” Matobato shared, his voice heavy with longing.

Seeking Justice Through the ICC

driven by a profound desire for justice, Matobato has publicly offered to testify before the International Criminal Court (ICC), an institution investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. “Justice. That’s all I want,” he declared. “I’ve seen too much, done too much, and I can’t stay silent anymore. The ICC is our last hope to hold those responsible accountable.”

The ICC investigation has progressed despite denials from Philippine officials, including President duterte himself, who dismissed Matobato’s testimonies as “fabrications.” The prosecutor is expected to conclude their inquiry soon, possibly leading to arrest warrants for those deemed “most responsible” for the alleged crimes.

A Legacy Shrouded in Controversy

The ongoing legal battle has cast a long shadow over Duterte’s presidency and his legacy. The ICC’s findings, alongside congressional investigations, are likely to continue fueling debate and controversy in the Philippines long after Duterte leaves office.

The matobato saga remains a stark reminder of the human cost of violence and the enduring search for justice in a nation grappling with a dark chapter in its history.

Former DDS Hitman Seeks justice Through the ICC

edgar Matobato, a self-proclaimed former member of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), is putting his faith in the International Criminal Court (ICC) to bring justice for the extrajudicial killings that plagued the Philippines during the war on drugs.

A Path Divided

In a recent interview, Matobato stated, “I won’t seek immunity like others have. I’m ready to face the consequences of my actions if it means the truth comes out.” He differentiated himself from another alleged DDS member, Arturo Lascañas, who opted for immunity in exchange for his testimony. “Lascañas and I were both part of the DDS, but we took different paths. I respect his decision, but I believe true justice requires accountability—not just for those in power, but for people like me as well.”

A Dismissed Testimony

Matobato’s explosive 2016 testimony before the Philippine Senate fell on deaf ears. He recounted the horrors he witnessed, but many dismissed him as a liar or a pawn.“It was devastating,” Matobato revealed. “I risked everything to tell the truth, but many dismissed me. Senator Leila de Lima stood by me, but even her support wasn’t enough. The system was rigged against us. That’s why I’m pinning my hopes on the ICC. They’re independent, and they have the power to investigate without political interference.”

A Call for Answers and Accountability

Speaking out now,Matobato hopes to shed light on the atrocities committed during the drug war.“I want the world to know what happened in the Philippines. Thousands of people were killed, and their families deserve answers,” he implored. “I also want to warn others about the dangers of silence. If you’re complicit in crimes like these, you carry that guilt forever. It’s better to face the truth, no matter how painful.”

Looking Toward the Future

Matobato and his family are attempting to rebuild their lives, but the scars of the past remain. “We’re trying to start over. It’s not easy—I still feel like a fugitive, even with a new identity,” he admitted.”But my family is safe, and that’s what matters most. I’ll continue to cooperate with the ICC and hope that one day, justice will prevail.”

A People Awaiting Justice

Edgar matobato’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of political violence and the lengths individuals will go to escape its consequences. As the ICC continues its investigation, the world watches closely, hoping justice will finally be served.

What motivated Edgar Matobato to leave his life of crime and become an informant?

Archyde Exclusive Interview: Edgar Matobato, Former Hitman, Speaks from Exile

By [Yoru Name]

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Archyde: Thank you for agreeing to speak with us, mr. Matobato. Your story has captivated the world, and many are eager to hear directly from you.Let’s start with your escape. Can you describe the moment you realized you had to leave the Philippines?

edgar Matobato: It wasn’t a single moment, but a buildup of fear and desperation. For years, I lived with the weight of my past, knowing that my life and my family’s lives were in danger. The threats were constant—both from those who wanted me silenced and from my own conscience. When the opportunity to escape presented itself, I knew I had to take it. It was the only way to protect my family and to continue fighting for justice.

Archyde: Your transformation into a “gardener” with a new identity is remarkable. How tough was it to leave behind your old life and assume this new persona?

Matobato: It was… surreal.I practiced my new name every day, but it felt like I was pretending to be someone else. The syllables felt strange on my tongue,like I was betraying my own history. But I had no choice. I shaved my head, grew a goatee, and wore glasses—anything to blend in. the hardest part was looking in the mirror and not recognizing the man staring back at me.

Archyde: Your journey to exile was fraught with danger. Can you share some details about how you and your family managed to escape?

Matobato: It was a carefully planned operation. We used forged documents and traveled under false identities. We first flew to Dubai, where we stayed briefly before moving to our final destination. I can’t disclose the exact route or location for security reasons, but every step was nerve-wracking. We were constantly looking over our shoulders, afraid that someone would recognize us or that the authorities would catch up.

Archyde: You’ve expressed a willingness to testify before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Why is this so crucial to you?

Matobato: Because justice matters. I’ve seen too much, done too much, and I can’t stay silent anymore. The Davao Death Squad was responsible for hundreds of killings—innocent people,criminals,it didn’t matter. They were all human beings, and their lives were taken without due process. I want the world to know the truth about what happened in Davao City. I don’t want immunity; I want accountability.

Archyde: The ICC examination has faced notable pushback from the Philippine government,with President Duterte dismissing your testimonies as “fabrications.” How do you respond to these accusations?

Matobato: (laughs bitterly) Of course he would say that. He’s been denying his involvement for years. but the truth is undeniable. Arturo Lascañas and I have both testified about the DDS’s operations, and our stories align. The ICC has seen enough evidence to open a full investigation. Duterte can deny it all he wants, but the facts speak for themselves.

Archyde: What do you hope your testimony will achieve?

matobato: I hope it will bring justice to the victims and their families. So many lives were destroyed,and so many people are still suffering. if my testimony can help hold those responsible accountable, then it will have been worth it. I also hope it sends a message to others who are complicit in these crimes—that no matter how powerful you are, you can’t escape justice forever.

Archyde: You’ve mentioned the toll this has taken on your family. How are they coping with this new life in exile?

Matobato: It’s been difficult for them. They didn’t choose this life, but they’ve had to bear the consequences of my past. We’re trying to rebuild, to find some sense of normalcy, but it’s hard when you’re constantly looking over your shoulder. My children miss their home, their friends, their old lives.But they understand why we had to leave. They know this is the only way to keep us safe.

Archyde: Looking back, do you regret your involvement with the Davao Death Squad?

Matobato: (pauses) Every single day. I carry the weight of what I’ve done, and it’s a burden I’ll never be free from. But I can’t change the past. All I can do is try to make amends by telling the truth and fighting for justice. that’s why I’m here, speaking to you.

Archyde: what message would you like to send to the people of the Philippines and the international community?

Matobato: To the people of the Philippines, I say: don’t lose hope. the truth will come out, and justice will prevail.To the international community, I urge you to support the ICC’s investigation. This isn’t just about the Philippines—it’s about standing up for human rights and holding those in power accountable. Together, we can ensure that the victims of the davao Death Squad are never forgotten.

Archyde: Thank you, Mr. Matobato, for sharing your story with us. We wish you and your family safety and peace as you continue your fight for justice.

Matobato: Thank you.

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This interview was conducted remotely for the safety and security of Edgar matobato and his family.Archyde remains committed to reporting on issues of justice and human rights worldwide.