Palace says Delos Santos’ case a reminder to PNP to follow procedures

August 25, 2017

The death of a 17-year old student in Caloocan City should be a reminder to the policemen to follow the right procedures in conducting anti-drug operations, Malacanang said on Friday.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella echoed what President Rodrigo Duterte has said the "war against drugs is not a licence to break the law."

He said Duterte has directed a fair and impartial investigation on the case of Kian Loyd delos Santos, who was allegedly a victim of a police rub out on August 16.

"We hope this serves as a reminder to the PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel to follow the established PNP policies and operational procedures; that their personnel are properly guided in the conduct of police operations, particularly in the adherence to the rule of law and due process," he said.

The police initially claimed Delos Santos fought back which is why he was shot dead.

But witnesses and CCTV footage in the area showed that while he was begging for his life, the authorities allegedly killed him.

Despite the Delos Santos case, which drew outrage among the people against the alleged extrajuidicial killings, Abella said the incident would not deter the Duterte administration from the task of reducing criminality and illegal drugs.

"The campaign against illegal drugs would continue.  As the President has declared time and again, it will be pursued relentlessly," he said.

"Kian's case is a wake-up call for the need to reform government institutions; even law enforcement agencies - a challenge that the President voiced from the beginning of his campaign for the presidency," Abella stressed. Celerina Monte/DMS