A FORMER long-time driver and bodyguard of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has confirmed the long-rumored codename “Superman,” by which he was known among members of the notorious Davao Death Squad (DDS).
Retired senior police officer Sanson Buenaventura, who served as Duterte’s driver and bodyguard from 1988 to 2008, testified that the codename was Duterte’s radio “call sign” during his tenure as Davao City mayor.
This revelation came during Buenaventura’s testimony before the House Quad Comm on Thursday night, where he was questioned by Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro on his knowledge of Duterte’s role and the existence of DDS.
His confirmation aligns with prior statements and testimonies from various figures, including former DDS members and police officers, who have identified Duterte as central to the death squad’s operations.
While acknowledging “Superman” as Duterte’s codename, Buenaventura insisted he was unaware of any formal organization called the DDS, claiming the name originated from media reports.
“Mr. Buenaventura, sino po si Superman? Hindi niyo rin po ba alam?” Luistro asked, pressing Buenaventura on the codename’s connection to the DDS.
“Iyon ang call sign ni Mayor Duterte noong may radio pa kami,” Buenaventura replied.
Luistro continued, “At least you confirm that Superman is Mayor Duterte. Yes, he is actually called Superman by DDS.”
Buenaventura ultimately acknowledged that Duterte was known by this codename within certain circles in Davao City.
Despite his proximity to Duterte, Buenaventura maintained that his duties were limited to driving and personal security, denying any involvement in extrajudicial activities.
When asked by Luistro to confirm his awareness of the DDS, he attempted to deflect, saying, “Narinig ko lang ‘yan. Ang nagbigay ng pangalang ‘yan is the media.”
Luistro countered, referencing testimonies from others, “Everybody in DDS knows Mayor Duterte as Superman. Are you not confirming to the Quad Comm the existence of the Davao Death Squad?” to which Buenaventura replied, “Narinig ko lang, Your Honor. Ang nagbigay ng pangalang ‘yan is the media.”
Luistro pressed further, referring to Duterte’s own Senate testimony in which the former president acknowledged the existence of the DDS.
“Did you watch the Senate investigation where the President appeared? And did you watch him confirm that there is the Davao Death Squad?” she asked.
Buenaventura confirmed he had seen the testimony but remained evasive, saying only, “Siya po ang maysabi,” distancing himself from any direct involvement or firsthand confirmation of DDS operations.
Buenaventura’s exchanges with Luistro delved into his loyalty to Duterte, revealing the deep personal bond he felt for the former mayor and president.
Luistro asked him to reflect on his two decades of service under Duterte’s leadership in Davao City.
“Mr. Buenaventura, would you say that your loyalty to Mayor Duterte is absolute?” Luistro inquired.
Buenaventura responded with measured pride, “Yes, Your Honor. Naging mabait po siya sa akin at sa pamilya ko. Kung may problema, andiyan po siya para tumulong.”
Pressed further, Luistro questioned whether Buenaventura’s loyalty might extend to protecting Duterte’s reputation. “So if there were orders that would have gone beyond your regular duties, would you have questioned them, or was your loyalty to him unquestionable?” she asked.
Buenaventura replied, “Your Honor, bilang driver at security ni Mayor Duterte, ang trabaho ko ay alagaan siya at sundin ang mga utos niya bilang public servant. Pero hindi po totoo na ako ay nasangkot sa kahit anong labas sa trabaho ko.”
Luistro continued, “But if people from the DDS, or anyone within Duterte’s circle, took ‘Superman’s’ orders to mean more than protection and security, are you telling us you would not know of it?”
Buenaventura stood firm, “Hindi po, Your Honor. Ang pagkakaalam ko sa DDS ay naririnig lang sa media. Ako po ay driver lang niya.”
Although Buenaventura denied involvement, records show he has been mentioned in various testimonies concerning the DDS.
Self-confessed DDS hitman Arturo Lascañas, in his 2017 affidavit, identified Buenaventura as a critical figure in the DDS, responsible for logistics and finances, and as a liaison for Duterte’s alleged directives.
Lascañas claimed that Buenaventura relayed orders for extrajudicial actions, including assassinations of individuals deemed threats.
In earlier affidavits, a witness known as “Jose Basilio” described Buenaventura as the operational “big boss” of the Heinous Crime Investigation Section, allegedly responsible for issuing clearances for DDS operations targeting suspected criminals.
Basilio further claimed that Buenaventura’s instructions, perceived as coming directly from Duterte, commanded compliance among DDS operatives.
Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Royina Garma also mentioned Buenaventura in her testimonies before the Quad Comm, where she confirmed a reward system in Duterte’s brutal war on drugs, allegedly following the so-called “Davao Template.”
Garma, a retired police colonel closely associated with Duterte, claimed that Buenaventura “provided direct payments of ₱20,000 to station commanders” in Davao City “for the deaths of [drug] suspects.”
