In brief
The tale of Edgar Matobato, a former hitman in the Philippines, sheds light on the disturbing realities of extrajudicial killings tied to powerful political figures.
Edgar Matobato, a once-feared hitman, known for his chilling confessions of violence while serving the former President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, is now seeking safety as he prepares to testify. Confined within the hidden walls of a church compound in the Philippines, Matobato candidly recalls his dark past and the numerous lives he extinguished over nearly two decades. The 45-year-old reveals that he primarily relied on a Colt M1911 pistol, but recounted various brutal methods used, including a rare instance of feeding a victim to a crocodile. “I’m struggling to recall every individual,” Matobato stated solemnly, reflecting on his time with the infamous death squad operating in Davao City. Rain pelted the kitchen, a somber reminder of the life he now leads—one of seclusion and guilt.Having confessed to his crimes a decade earlier, Matobato now lives in fear, aware that powerful interests might silence him forever. His startling admission implicates Duterte, who was not just the Mayor of Davao City but later ascended to the presidency, allowing a culture of fear and violence to flourish. With a heavy heart, Matobato seeks justice as he weighs the risks of revealing the truth behind the deadly order he once followed.
