Edgar Matobato: From Hitman to Whistleblower Protected by the ICC

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

For years, the Davao Death Squad (DDS) operated in the shadows, its brutality whispered about but rarely confronted. Then Edgar Matobato stepped into the light. A self-confessed assassin turned whistleblower, Matobato has gone from being a feared enforcer of vigilante justice to a key witness in an international pursuit of accountability. Today, he lives under the protection of the International Criminal Court (ICC), his explosive testimony serving as a crucial pillar in ongoing investigations into crimes against humanity in the Philippines.

The Davao Death Squad: A Reign of Terror

The DDS emerged in Davao City in the early 1990s, becoming infamous for its extrajudicial killings targeting petty criminals, drug suspects, and even street children. Matobato, who claims to have joined the squad in its infancy, described it as a ruthless operation directed by local officials.

In chilling detail, Matobato has recounted how victims were abducted, tortured, and killed, their bodies often dumped in unmarked graves. Most shocking of all, he alleged that then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte directly oversaw these operations. According to Matobato, Duterte not only issued orders but also personally participated in some killings, including the execution of a Department of Justice employee using an Uzi submachine gun.

The Whistleblower Steps Forward

In September 2016, Matobato took his story to the Philippine Senate. His testimony was a bombshell, revealing the intricate workings of the DDS and implicating Duterte in orchestrating a campaign of state-sanctioned violence.

Matobato's statements painted a grim picture of impunity: police officers, local officials, and even civilians allegedly participated in or turned a blind eye to the killings. His revelations attracted international attention, but they also made him a marked man. Critics questioned his credibility, and Duterte vehemently denied any connection to Matobato or the DDS.

Life on the Run

After his Senate testimony, Matobato faced relentless threats to his life. He went into hiding, moving between safe houses under the protection of Catholic clergy and former military personnel. By January 2024, fearing that his life was still in danger, Matobato fled the Philippines with his wife and two stepchildren. Using forged documents, they sought asylum in an undisclosed country.

This escape proved to be a turning point. Matobato began cooperating with the ICC, offering detailed testimony about the DDS's operations and Duterte’s alleged involvement. Recognizing the significance of his evidence, the ICC provided Matobato and his family with protection, ensuring his safety as he contributes to the court’s investigations.

The ICC’s Pursuit of Justice

Matobato's testimony has become a cornerstone of the ICC’s ongoing examination of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. His accounts provide critical evidence supporting allegations that Duterte and his administration committed crimes against humanity during both his time as Davao City mayor and as president.

The ICC’s involvement underscores the international community’s determination to hold powerful figures accountable. Despite the Philippine government’s attempts to downplay or discredit Matobato’s claims, the court has pressed forward, bolstered by corroborative evidence and multiple other testimonies.

Duterte’s Stunning Admission

In a twist that vindicated Matobato’s testimony, Duterte admitted in October 2024 during a Senate inquiry that he had operated a “death squad” during his time as mayor of Davao City. While Duterte framed this as a necessary measure to combat crime, human rights advocates saw it as a brazen acknowledgment of state-sponsored violence.

Duterte’s admission has added new weight to the ICC’s case, prompting the Philippine National Police to reopen investigations into unresolved killings linked to the DDS. This development has further validated Matobato’s bravery in coming forward.

A Courageous Path Forward

Edgar Matobato’s journey from assassin to whistleblower is a testament to the human capacity for change and the relentless pursuit of justice. His decision to speak out has come at a steep personal cost—living in exile, separated from his homeland, and constantly looking over his shoulder. Yet, his courage has illuminated a path for others to confront impunity and demand accountability.

Matobato’s story is not just a tale of one man’s redemption. It is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming power, truth can emerge, and justice can prevail. As the ICC continues its investigation, the world watches, hoping that Matobato’s bravery will help dismantle a culture of impunity and restore faith in the rule of law.

EDSA Rekindled?: Influencers and Content Creators Unite for the Impeachment of Sara Duterte

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

On January 18, 2025, the People Power Monument in EDSA witnessed an electrifying convergence of voices, passions, and ideals. Filipinos from all walks of life— online influencers and content creators,  social media advocates, and digital warriors—gathered under the banner of the Impeach Sara Movement, demanding justice and accountability from Vice President Sara Duterte.

Amid allegations of corruption, misuse of public funds, and betrayal of public trust, this rally marked a defining moment in the nation’s fight against impunity. It wasn't just a protest; it was a modern-day People Power movement, breathing life into the Filipino spirit of unity and resistance against tyranny.

A Call to Action

The movement, spearheaded by the Bunyog Party-list and a coalition of social media influencers, called for the impeachment of Vice President Duterte over her alleged mismanagement of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds. Protesters also cited concerns about her governance and public statements that undermined trust in her leadership.

"Let the impeachment proceedings continue," a protester declared. "This isn’t just about one leader—it’s about showing every public official that no one is above the law. Justice must prevail!"

The Digital Army: Vloggers and Influencers Take Center Stage

One of the most compelling aspects of the rally was the unprecedented involvement of vloggers, bloggers, and social media advocates who used their platforms to amplify the movement's message. With millions of followers combined, these digital content creators became the voice of the people, calling for transparency and good governance.

Prominent among the supporters was Wazzup Pilipinas, alongside a remarkable list of vloggers and online advocates who stood united for a singular goal: to make leaders accountable.

The Influencers Who Answered the Call

Here is the full list of vloggers, bloggers, and advocates who joined the movement:

Organizers:

Bunyog Party & Pro-Impeach Sara Vloggers

AdminRich

Ago Pedalizo

Ahl Libugha

Ai DHIN 28

Aling Marie Dinglasan

Arjay Angeles

Art Garcia

Balita at Kaalaman

Ballpointman

Banat Boy Mandirigma

Bangasero

Batang Maynila Toits

Benjie Contreras

Bisakol Ako TV

Blogger Ng Bayan

Boss Roger TV

Boyet Antonio Jr

Byahe ni Koy

Chris Ulo

Culex Soliman

Daddy Rick

Dante Maravillas

David D’Angelo

DJ Byron Music & Topic TV

Elmzkie TV

Enzo Recto

Francis Balahura

Go Philippines 3.0

Jake Magnas

JDB

JIL Review TV

JiNG No Boundaries

Jocelyn13 Vlogs

Joshua Corpuz Vlogs

Joy TV Official

Jr Astacan

KaCoffee

Kakampink

Kaskasero Pangong TV

Kent Garcia

Lakay Reagan Bulilitin

Lintoy Marcial

Macmac Pablo

Maestro Paul

Mami Peng

Mamita Star Talk

Marc Santos Pagong

Mark Ramos

Melchor Vergara

Mike Cerverra

Mimaa Alicia

Munting Tinig TV

Niño Barzaga

Niolo

Palerista TV

PAPA DE Channel

Papa Mhel TV

Paps Rex Vlogs

Pikwa Birador

PipLoZ TV

Prince AJ

Romeo TV Vlogs

Ryan Purca

SENTV Updates

Stephen Li

Takeur Miyamoto

Tap Wan

Toco Causing

TPL3

Tropang Ilonggo

Wazzup Pilipinas

Yayam Dizon

Zen Danga

A Spirit of Resistance

Echoing the defiance of the 1986 People Power Revolution, protesters emphasized the importance of collective action in ensuring leaders are held accountable. The rally served as a platform to highlight the disparity in the justice system, where minor offenders often face harsher consequences than those accused of large-scale corruption.

"Why do we imprison those who steal coins while protecting those who plunder millions?" a speaker at the rally asked, drawing cheers from the crowd. "Our laws are not meant to favor the powerful—they are meant to serve everyone."

The Stakes for the Nation

The outcome of this political saga will undoubtedly shape the Philippines’ future. The Impeach Sara Movement is not merely a call for Duterte’s accountability—it is a rallying cry for systemic reform. It seeks to send a strong message to all government officials: that public office is a public trust, and no one is exempt from scrutiny.

EDSA’s Legacy Continues

As the rally concluded, the atmosphere at EDSA was electric, charged with hope and determination. The people’s voices had been heard, and the movement had ignited a fire that could not easily be extinguished.

This is more than a protest—it is a movement that embodies the Filipino people’s fight for justice, transparency, and accountability. It is a battle for the nation’s soul, a reminder that democracy thrives when its citizens demand more from their leaders.

For now, the world watches as the Filipino people, armed with courage and unity, once again take a stand for what is right. The spirit of People Power lives on.

*Photos from ABS-CBN News and GMA News

A Tale of Three Stories: Villar vs. Estrada vs. Aquino in the 2010 Presidential Elections

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The 2010 Philippine presidential elections marked a significant turning point in the nation's political narrative. It was a race dominated by three candidates—Manny Villar, Joseph "Erap" Estrada, and Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III—each with their distinct strategies and messages, yet united in prioritizing the fight against poverty. However, the eventual victor was the one who managed to shift the narrative to a deeper, more resonant theme: corruption. Here’s how the story unfolded.

The Framing of Manny Villar: "Sipag at Tiyaga"

In the early stages of the race, Manny Villar appeared to be the clear frontrunner. His campaign’s narrative was straightforward and compelling: poverty is the problem, and only someone who understands poverty can solve it. Villar positioned himself as the "tunay na mahirap" (truly poor), a self-made billionaire who rose from humble beginnings through sheer hard work and perseverance. His slogan, "Siya ang tatapos sa kahirapan" (He will end poverty), encapsulated this message.

Villar's strategy was rooted in his personal story, framing himself as the embodiment of the Filipino dream—a man who climbed out of poverty and could guide the nation to do the same. The message was powerful and resonated deeply with many voters. However, his momentum was disrupted by allegations of corruption, particularly the Senate investigation into the controversial C-5 road extension project, which allegedly benefited his businesses.

Erap Estrada: "Erap Para sa Mahirap"

Estrada, a populist icon and former president, entered the race with his enduring appeal to the masses. His slogan, "Erap para sa mahirap" (Erap for the poor), was a tried-and-tested rallying cry that once catapulted him to the presidency. Despite his conviction for plunder years earlier, Estrada’s loyal supporters saw him as a champion of the underprivileged.

Erap’s narrative focused squarely on poverty alleviation, much like Villar’s. However, his past scandals made it difficult for him to expand his base beyond his core supporters.

Noynoy Aquino: A Narrative Shift

The untimely death of former President Cory Aquino in August 2009 brought an emotional outpouring of support for her family, particularly her son, Senator Noynoy Aquino. Before Cory’s passing, Noynoy was not a major contender in the presidential race. But her legacy of democracy and integrity became a springboard for his candidacy, allowing his team to craft a narrative that distinguished him from Villar and Estrada.

Aquino’s campaign capitalized on the public’s growing disillusionment with the administration of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which had been plagued by corruption scandals like the NBN-ZTE deal and the "Hello Garci" election rigging controversy. His team reframed the issue of poverty as a consequence of corruption. The slogan, "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap" (If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor), resonated with a populace desperate for change.

This narrative shift was crucial. By presenting corruption as the root cause of poverty, Aquino's team positioned him as the only viable candidate. Villar’s wealth became a liability under this framing, as allegations of corruption tied to the C-5 project undermined his credibility. Similarly, Estrada’s plunder conviction further disqualified him in the eyes of voters who bought into Aquino’s anti-corruption narrative.

Election Results: The Power of Framing

When the votes were tallied, Aquino emerged victorious with 15.2 million votes. Estrada placed second with 9.4 million, while Villar, once the frontrunner, garnered only 5.5 million votes.

The election was a masterclass in narrative strategy. Aquino’s team succeeded in redefining the central issue of the campaign. Villar and Estrada were unable to adapt to the new narrative, leaving Aquino as the sole candidate who embodied the promise of clean governance.

The Legacy of Framing: Lessons for Future Campaigns

The power of narrative framing extended beyond 2010. In 2016, Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign adopted a similar strategy, albeit with a different issue: peace and order. At a time when the public was increasingly concerned about crime and drug-related violence, Duterte’s "strongman" persona and promise to eradicate these problems through decisive action resonated deeply. His slogan, "Change is coming," and his tough-talking image made him the ideal "punisher" to address the prevailing issue of the day.

Duterte’s victory underscored a critical lesson in Philippine elections: the candidate who aligns with the electorate’s perception of the nation’s most pressing problem—and provides a convincing solution—wins.

Looking Ahead: The Battle for 2028

As the nation approaches the next electoral cycle, the lessons of 2010 and 2016 remain relevant. Candidates must not only identify the prevailing concerns of the electorate but also frame their messages in a way that positions them as the only viable solution. Whether the next battle will focus on economic recovery, climate change, or governance reform, the ultimate victor will be the one who tells the most compelling story.

The tale of Villar, Estrada, and Aquino serves as a timeless reminder: elections are not just contests of policy or personality—they are battles of narrative. And in the Philippines, as in any democracy, the right narrative can change everything.