MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, October 3, denied claims by self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato that he was once a militiaman, either as part of the Civilian Home Defense Unit (CHDU) or the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Reading certifications from Army chief Lieutenant General Eduardo Año, Colonel Bartolome Bacarro told the Senate committee on justice and human rights that the military has no records of a certain “Edgar Matobato” in its list of militiamen since the 70s. 

Matobato claimed that in the 80s, he was a militiaman, a member of the auxiliary force of the Second Scout Ranger Battalion based in Davao City.

Matobato said he was a hitman of the infamous “Davao Death Squad,” a vigilante group that allegedly targeted criminals and even personal and political foes of then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

He has accused Duterte of forming and spearheading the supposed death squad. (READ: Duterte denies knowing Matobato personally)

Bacarro added that contrary to Matobato’s claims, it was impossible for him to have undergone a Scout Ranger course since this is only available to military personnel. (READ: Matobato’s hits and misses)

But Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, among President Duterte’s critics in the Senate, defended Matobato, pointing out that another witness, Senior Police Officer 3 Arthur Lascañas had earlier testified that he saw Matobato in “camouflage” with an M14 rifle. 

“In Davao City, in the early 80s, there was a unique situation. So we’ll have to check deeper so we can reconcile the statements of Lascañas and Matobato regarding his membership in the auxiliary unit of the Scout Ranger battalion,” said Trillanes, who used to be part of the Philippine Navy. 

Matobato has alleged that Lascañas, a longtime Davao City police officer, was among Duterte’s chief aides. Lascañas denied Matobato’s tale, saying all his assertions were lies. (READ: Edgar Matobato: Liar or truth-teller?) – Rappler.com