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A member of the House of Representatives has expressed doubts over the testimony of retired police officer Sanson Buenaventura on last Thursday’s Quad Comm hearing.The lawmakers were led by House Assistant Majority Leader and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela “Mika” Suansing concluded that the ex-driver/bodyguard of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will go to any lengths to protect the ex-president. The last Quad Comm hearing, which delved into Buenaventura’s connections with Duterte, particularly concerning alleged links to the Davao Death Squad (DDS), left lawmakers unsatisfied with his responses, noting that his statements only raised more questions.“Mr. Chair, mas nakikita ko po na nagsisinungaling si Mr. Sonny Buenaventura,” she said, after pressing him on his statements.<div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/11/7/duterte-s-ex-bodyguard-denies-davao-death-squad-reward-system-720" id="isPasted">Duterte&#x27;s ex-bodyguard denies Davao Death Squad reward system</a></div>Buenaventura’s use of coded terms allegedly tied to DDS activities was a key focus of Suansing’s questioning.During the hearing, Buenaventura confirmed the long-rumored codename “Superman” of Duterte, by which he was known among members of the notorious DDS.Suansing asked him to explain the meaning of &quot;labyog,&quot; a term that sources indicated could refer to killing or disposing of a body.“Kasi po, ayon po sa aming sources, ang labyog po ay to kill or dump a dead body ng isang biktima,” said the lawmaker.Buenavertura responded hesitantly, suggesting it might mean “tapon,” or to discard. This did not satisfy lawmakers.The Quad Comm hearing also scrutinized Buenaventura’s familiarity with the Laud quarry, a site tied to numerous DDS-related allegations. When asked, Buenaventura admitted to using the quarry, but only as a firing range.<div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/11/8/house-probe-revives-alleged-dds-members-claims-vs-ex-president-duterte-son-1405" id="isPasted">House probe revives alleged DDS member&#x27;s claims vs ex-President Duterte</a></div>“Mr. Buenaventura, nakapunta na kayo sa Laud quarry… alam nyo ang itsura at laki ng Laud quarry na may laman na firing range sa loob. Okay na po?” said Suansing as she pressed on Buenaventura.“Yes, Your Honor,” responded Buenaventura, though his acknowledgment did little to dispel lawmakers’ doubts.“For the record, Mr. Buenaventura has been to Laud quarry… alam nya ang itsura at laki ng Laud quarry na may laman na firing range sa loob,” Suansing said.Suansing also questioned Buenaventura’s financial transparency as well, urging him to waive his bank secrecy rights if he had nothing to hide.“Kung wala po kayong tinatago, willing po ba kayong i-waive ang bank secrecy para po sa inyong mga bank accounts?” she asked. Buenaventura declined. “Four thousand [pesos] plus lang ‘yun, Your Honor,” he said.Buenaventura’s alleged role in DDS operations, as described in the affidavit of self-confessed DDS hitman Arturo Lascañas, was another focus in the hearing. Suansing cited Lascañas’ claims, which indicated Buenaventura as allegedly involved in coordinating DDS logistics. <div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/10/28/ex-ph-pres-duterte-i-have-a-death-squad-2037" id="isPasted">Ex-PH Pres. Duterte: I have a death squad </a></div>“Mr. Chair, it’s the word of Mr. Sonny Buenaventura against the affidavit of Mr. Lascañas,” she pointed out.Suansing also questioned Buenaventura’s loyalty to Duterte and whether it might influence his testimony.She directly confronted him about the extent of his loyalty, asking, if he will be making misrepresentation to save the former President. Buenaventura’s association with individuals linked to DDS activities also came under scrutiny. When asked about his ties to key figures like Sammy Uy and Michael Yang, Buenaventura claimed that he only had limited interactions. But Suansing cited suspicions, given Buenaventura’s long tenure as Duterte’s bodyguard and his proximity to the former President during that time.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SAXy3HflA80?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></div>

A member of the House of Representatives expressed doubts over the testimony of retired senior police officer Sanson Buenaventura on last Thursday’s Quad Comm hearing.

A member of the House of Representatives expressed doubts over the testimony of retired senior police officer Sanson Buenaventura on last Thursday’s Quad Comm hearing.

Lawmaker doubts credibility of Duterte's bodyguard

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Lawmaker doubts credibility of Duterte's bodyguard

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 09, 2024 11:47 PM PHT

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House Quad Comm

Rodrigo Duterte

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