The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Wednesday that self-confessed former death squad hitman Edgar Matobato does not possess any valid “travel documents,” as no passport records were found under his name.
In a statement, the DFA said they “found no passport and biometrics records under the name ‘Edgar Matobato’” in their official records.
“Any application under a new or assumed identity will be flagged by the system, and a Philippine passport will not be issued if there is already an existing record and biometrics in the database,” the DFA stated.
The department emphasized that fraudulent passport applications are punishable under the law and vowed to continue its investigation on the matter.
“Fraudulent application for a passport is a serious offense punishable under the Passport Law. The DFA will continue to investigate the matter, and if warranted, refer the matter to law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities for further investigation,” it said.
Earlier, the New York Times (NYT) reported that Matobato managed to secure a new passport and identity after leaving the Philippines.
“Mr. Matobato had managed to obtain a new identity with a new passport and a new job description: gardener. He practiced saying his new name, first, middle and last, but the syllables came out funny, with a question mark hanging over them,” the NYT story read.
The broadsheet added that Matobato had shaved his hair and is now sporting large glasses and a gray goatee.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) also announced it is investigating the alleged departure of the ex-hitman, who reportedly carried out summary executions on the orders of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The BI will also look into the claims detailed in the NYT report.
Matobato previously testified in a Senate investigation regarding Duterte’s war on drugs. He alleged that the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) was involved in several killings in Davao City.
Currently, Matobato is under the protective custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) “in an undisclosed location,” as confirmed by former Senator Leila de Lima.
