The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has confirmed that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Davao (CIDG-11) has opened an investigation into the alleged ‘death squad’ in Davao City.

In an interview with GMA Super Radyo Davao, DCPO Acting Chief, Col. Hansel Marantan, said the local police is supporting the investigation.

Marantan said CIDG-11 already holds several documents related to the investigation.

Several alleged former members of ‘DDS’ are reportedly helping in the probe.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said during the Senate hearing on extrajudicial killings (EJKs) that the ‘DDS’ existed when he was the mayor of Davao City.

“Meron akong death squad. Death squad, pito, pero hindi ito mga pulis. Sila rin yung mga gangster. Yung isang gangster utusan ko: Patayin mo yan kay kung hindi mo patayin yan, patayin kita ngayon," Duterte said.

The alleged death squad was said to be responsible for the killing of drug suspects in Davao City and the model used in the drug war during Duterte’s term as President.

Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Jr. of the Sixth District of Manila said Duterte’s statements at the Senate may just usher in the filing of cases.

“His admission is significant as it highlights that cases are now ripe for filing against those responsible for the extrajudicial killings during the drug war,” Abante said.