Cops in Kian Killing Charged with Murder, Torture

Police Officers Charged with Murder and Torture

The parents of Kian delos Santos filed murder and torture charges against the police officers who are involved in the death of their son. The parents were accompanied by the Public Attorneys Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta.

Acosta told the media that the wheels of justice will turn now and run its course after filig the charges Friday. She also hoped that the case will be resolved by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for not more than 60 days after the filing.

4 Police Officers Charged with Murder and Torture

Four police officers were charged with murder and torture. The respondents were Chief Inspector Amor Cerillo, the relieved commander of Caloocan City Police Community Precinct 7; Police Officer (PO) 3 Arnel Oares; PO1 Jerwin Cruz; and PO1 Jeremias Pereda.

The involved police officers violated Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and Republic Act 9745, also known as the Anti-Torture Law. They were charged for torturing a minor resulting to death, which falls under Section 4(A-1) and (A-14), and Section 14(1) and (5) of the said law.

Kian Intentionally Killed

The autopsy report of the PAO revealed that Kian, an alleged drug runner, was shot at the back lying down. Witnesses also testified that Kian delos Santos did not fought back or tried to escape as alleged by the arresting police officers. The autopsy report also highlighted the intent of the gunmen, which is to kill the suspect by shooting him in critical areas of his body.

Drug War's Collateral Damage

A senate investigation is also being conducted about the incident, which some lawmakers said is a clear example of EJK. Caloocan police officials told the senators during the hearing that they only based their accusations on posts and messages from social media. The President's drug war has been marred by large number of deaths and killings of minor suspects.

Meanwhile relatives, friends, and other supporters of Kian are asking the President to look into this case and hoping that justice be served to the innocent grade 11 student.