Dela Rosa says war on drugs to continue despite Caloocan death

August 22, 2017

The Philippine National Police said its war on drugs will continue despite the furor created by the death of a 17-year-old boy in an operation last week in Caloocan City.

"We are not lying low," said PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa in an interview over dzBB Tuesday. "This will continue but what the president doesn't want policemen to abuse their authority during these operations."

Dela Rosa confirmed getting orders from President Rodrigo Duterte to get hold of the three police officers involved in the death of Kian Lloyd delos Santos after seeing the footage of the boy being dragged by men.

"He said investigate that and made these policemen involved in the killing of Kian accontable," said Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa said Duterte ordered their arrest but the three policemen administratively and placed them under restrictive custody at the National Capitol Region Police Office in Taguig.

Relieved were Chief InspectorAmor  Cerillo, commander of the Police Community Precinct 7,  PO3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda and PO1 Jerwin Cruz were relieved.

Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna, Caloocan City police chief, was also administratively relieved on Monday.

Dela Rosa said he is still dismayed over the outcome of the police operation.

"I cannot say it was a blunder because we wait for the result of the full investigation but what I say is that I am dismayed with the result of the operation because the boy did not have to die if he did not put up a fight," said Dela Rosa.

"He is 17 years and courier or not, he should have been killed if he did not fight back. The boy did not have to die and I am dismayed over this," he added. DMS