Davao death squad hitman leaves Philippines using fake identity

MANILA, Philippines — After a decade in hiding, self-confessed hitman and member of the infamous Davao Death Squad (DDS) Edgar Matobato was able to leave the Philippines using a fake identity and travel documents, according to a New York Times report.

The New York Times published an article over the weekend detailing how Matobato, one of the first who testified against then president Rodrigo Duterte, was able to leave the country with his wife and two stepchildren.

The family, who assumed new identities while in hiding, had to move around to ensure their safety. At one point, under the protection of priests, moved to an undisclosed Catholic Church compound. There, he had a different job: “shearing sheep and feeding chickens,” the article said.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it will investigate.

“We will be conducting an investigation into the information stated in the article,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.

The report did not disclose when Matobato and his family left the country.

“Mr. Matobato had managed to obtain a new identity with a new passport and a new job description: gardener,” wrote Bangkok-based Times reporter Hannah Beech.

“He practiced saying his new name, first, middle and last, but the syllables came out funny, with a question mark hanging over them. His thick hair had been shaved, and he wore large glasses and a gray goatee. A mask covered part of his face,” the report added.

It was unclear who provided Matobato and his family with the fake documents and how they were able to get through the scrutiny of immigration officials.

From the Philippines, Matobato and his family flew to Dubai, where they took another long-haul flight to an undisclosed country. There, they are expected to rebuild a life in permanent exile.

While he had been waiting for years to testify before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Matobato said he would not seek immunity in exchange for his testimony.

Another self-confessed hitman, Arturo Lascañas, reportedly claimed that he obtained immunity from prosecution for testifying before the international court.

The ICC is investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines in relation to the