Don’t “rush into conclusion” on delos Santos case, PNP urges

August 25, 2017

The Philippine National Police urged the public not to “rush into conclusion or judgment” following the statement of UN rapporteur Agnes Callamard saying the case of Kian Delos Santos is a “murder”.

“Let us allow the formal criminal investigations to proceed and not rush into conclusions or judgement”, Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos, PNP spokesman, said.

“Let us allow the police personnel involved to have their day in court and defend themselves”, he added.

Callamard, a critic of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs said in herTtwitter account, “Yes, Pent Duterte, this is murder. All unlawful deaths must be investigated. To stop all murderers”. Callamard spoke on human rights in a forum at the University of the Philippines on May 4.

Delos Santos, 17, was shot three times based on the forensic report of the Philippine Attorney’s Office during a police anti-drug  operation in Caloocan City on August 16.

Callamard said Delos Santos is the “latest symbol of a massive, government-led, human rights crisis”.

Carlos said the three police personnel linked in the case of Delos Santos are “still innocent” until it is decided by the court. “Let us also accord them their right”, he said.

PO3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda and PO1 Jerwin Cruz, the cops involved in the case were administratively relieved by the PNP and facing criminal charges filed by the family of the 17-year-old boy.

Carlos said “The PNP welcomes the filing of criminal charges so that the police personnel involved can have their day in court and present their defense”.

“The Kian case does not represent the entire anti-drug campaign of the PNP. The PNP leadership will continue to support our personnel who continue to be true to their mandate but will not tolerate any wrongdoings or illegal acts by erring members”, he said. Alanna Ambi/ DMS