The Supreme Court’s (SC) affirmation of the murder conviction of three police officers in the killing of teenager Kian Loyd delos Santos has prompted Malacañang to renew calls for a “deeper, independent investigation” into alleged abuses committed during the previous administration’s war on drugs.
According to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez, the SC ruling, which upheld the conviction of the officers for murder over the 2017 killing of delos Santos during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City, reinforced proposals to establish an independent body to examine cases of alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the drug campaign.
“This development underscores the need to consider the proposal from the church, civil society, and some members of Congress for an independent Truth Commission to probe more deeply into these extrajudicial killings,” he said.
In its 40-page ruling, the SC’s Second Division found police officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda, and Jerwin Cruz guilty of the 2017 murder of Grade 11 student Kian Loyd delos Santos during a police anti-drug operation
The Court sentenced them to reclusion perpetua of up to 40 years, and ordered them to pay a total of PHP 275,000 in damages to his family.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police, through acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., welcomed the SC’s decision.
“This demonstrates that due process and the rule of law are working in the Philippines, ensuring justice is served even in difficult cases,” Nartatez said in a statement.
He said the ruling would guide the police in strengthening internal reforms and serve as a warning to officers that violations of their duties will be met with accountability.
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