DFA to probe Matobato for fake ID, travel documents

MANILA, Philippines —  There are no passport and biometrics records under the name of Edgar Matobato, the self-confessed hitman who alleged that former president Rodrigo Duterte had a death squad in Davao City, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed in a statement yesterday.

The DFA said that its system will flag any application under a new or assumed identity and a Philippine passport will not be issued “if there is already existing record and biometrics in the database.”

Fraudulent application for passport is a serious offense punishable under the Passport Law, the agency warned.

“The DFA will continue to investigate the matter, and if warranted, refer the matter to law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities for further investigation,” the agency said.

According to a New York Times report, Matobato was able to leave the Philippines with his wife and two stepchildren using a fake identity and travel documents.

Former senator Leila de Lima said Matobato is now under the protective custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

During his administration, Duterte launched a “war on drugs,” a bloody campaign in which as many as 30,000 civilians were killed.

The former president is facing an investigation by the ICC for crimes against humanity over the alleged extrajudicial killing of thousands of drug suspects.