Public outrage followed the killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos last week during an anti-drug operations of the Caloocan police. The victim’s family, friends, and the Filipino people are crying for justice. I personally condemn this violent act.
It was reported that the police recovered a .45 pistol and two sachets of suspected “shabu” valued at P20,000. The cops who conducted the drug raid insisted that Kian and his family were local drug runners, while Kian’s relatives and neighbors claimed otherwise. Police claimed that Kian fought back. The autopsy reports showed no evidence to support this claim.
There have been multiple versions of the incident based on the testimonies of the cops, the witnesses, and the content of the CCTV footage. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to lead the investigation into Kian’s death. The three policemen involved in the incident were relieved from their positions while the investigation is being conducted. President Duterte vowed to punish the cops involved in the killing of Kian once they are proven guilty.
PNP’s reputation continues to worsen with the upsurge of drug-related killings since the President’s war against illegal drugs started. This prompted the Senate to probe the rise in drug-related killings by the PNP. Today, the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson will begin the investigation. Hopefully, this inquiry will shed light on Kian’s death.
On the first two months of the Duterte administration, around 20,584 minors have surrendered to the local police. 65 percent or more than 13,000 had previous records with the police as “first-time offenders” while 8 percent or 1,595 were repeat offenders. Out of the total number of minor surrenderees, more than 98 percent admitted to being drug users while 273 surrendered as drug pushers and 66 as drug couriers or runners. These numbers are alarming. Let’s face it. Drug-related violence would not have worsened if the previous administration had addressed the drug menace with utmost priority.
In this administration’s drug war, instead of going after the children in conflict with the law, the police should primarily target the syndicates that use these children in their unlawful activities.
As part of the House Minority bloc, I denounce all forms of violence against innocent human beings. Due process must be accorded to all.