MANILA, Philippines - The brutal killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos has prompted the Senate majority to probe the recent spate of killings in anti-illegal drugs operations carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Kian, a Grade 11 student, is believed to be totally innocent and have been planted P16,000 worth of drugs by the police.
But is Kian really innocent as claimed by his family and friends? Did he really have nothing to do with the illegal drug trade? Was he just another collateral damage in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs?
PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa claims they have enough evidence to prove that Kian wasn’t really innocent. In a statement he made on Sunday, August 20, Dela Rosa said Kian served as drug courier for his father and several uncles, based on the information from the chief of the Caloocan City police.
A drug suspect-turned police witness Renato Loberas also claimed that he personally transacted with Kian.
In his interview with GMA News, Loberas said: “Abutan lang po. 'Pag na-contact ko na po sa cellphone 'yung Neneng, si Kian na po ang mag-aabang sa akin sa kanto.”
"Salubong lang po, daan lang po, kaliwaan lang po, diretso na. Alam ko pong menor de edad po, sa itsura po niya, sir... 'tsaka tipong ganoon lang po kami, daan lang, wala nang usap-usap," he added.
Meanwhile, Caloocan City prosecutor Darwin Cañete does not think Kian is totally innocent.
“EJKs are wrong, and if proven, the (police) should be punished. But use facts, not emotions,” Cañete added.
Read Cañete’s view on the controversial killing of Kian.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
But is Kian really innocent as claimed by his family and friends? Did he really have nothing to do with the illegal drug trade? Was he just another collateral damage in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs?
PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa claims they have enough evidence to prove that Kian wasn’t really innocent. In a statement he made on Sunday, August 20, Dela Rosa said Kian served as drug courier for his father and several uncles, based on the information from the chief of the Caloocan City police.
A drug suspect-turned police witness Renato Loberas also claimed that he personally transacted with Kian.
In his interview with GMA News, Loberas said: “Abutan lang po. 'Pag na-contact ko na po sa cellphone 'yung Neneng, si Kian na po ang mag-aabang sa akin sa kanto.”
"Salubong lang po, daan lang po, kaliwaan lang po, diretso na. Alam ko pong menor de edad po, sa itsura po niya, sir... 'tsaka tipong ganoon lang po kami, daan lang, wala nang usap-usap," he added.
Meanwhile, Caloocan City prosecutor Darwin Cañete does not think Kian is totally innocent.
“I am not saying they did not kill the kid. The (police) should be held accountable if ever it’s a proven EJK (extrajudicial killing). But making the kid super innocent? I am not buying it,” Cañete told Inquirer.
“EJKs are wrong, and if proven, the (police) should be punished. But use facts, not emotions,” Cañete added.
Read Cañete’s view on the controversial killing of Kian.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
