PNP assures no whitewash in probe of Kian’s case

This was the assurance given by PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos Tuesday. (Photo: Philippine National Police/ Facebook)

MANILA — No whitewash will take place in the ongoing investigation on the death of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos in the August 16 anti-drugs operation in Caloocan.

This was the assurance given by PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos Tuesday.

The statement is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s stance that he will support all PNP personnel going about their lawful and legal duties and sanction those engaged in illegal activities.

“The President/Commander-In-Chief/Chief Executive is consistent in his statements about his support to the PNP. He will back up those who are performing their mandate but will give hell to those who will abuse their authority,” he added.

Earlier, Duterte said he will not interfere if courts will convict and jail officers involved in Delos Santos’ shooting.

“In the case of Kian, the CIC agrees to an investigation, prosecution and point to the liabilities of those who will be found at fault. He also assures everyone that there will be no whitewash,” Carlos stressed.

As this develops, the four officers implicated in the incident, namely PO3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda and PO1 Jerwin Cruz and their precinct commander, Chief Insp. Amor Cerillo, were placed under restrictive custody in wake of the ongoing investigations.

The four were already ordered relieved over Delos Santos’ shooting and now detailed at the National Capital Region Police-Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit pending results of the investigation against them.

Initial reports are claimed that the victim was shot dead by law men after the former fired shots at officers conducting anti-narcotics operations in the area.

However, Delos Santos’ family belied these claims as they have seen CCTV footage allegedly showing lawmen dragging the victim before shooting him dead.