Connect with us

News

Child witnesses can identify cops in Kian slay: Hontiveros

Published

on

“I pray for peace that peace reign in the heart of every Filipino that we learn to disagree with respect,” Hontiveros said in her official Twitter account. (Photo: Senator Risa Hontiveros/ Facebook)

“It’s too early to say that we don’t need to hear the testimony of child witnesses. It’s possible that the minor witnesses can identify the policemen involved,” Hontiveros said in a TV interview.  (Photo: Senator Risa Hontiveros/ Facebook)

MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday said that it is too early to discredit child witnesses from testifying in the Senate probe meant to shed light on the murder of Kian Delos Santos, a 17-year-old student killed in an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City.

“It’s too early to say that we don’t need to hear the testimony of child witnesses. It’s possible that the minor witnesses can identify the policemen involved,” Hontiveros said in a TV interview.

Hontiveros admitted that two of three witnesses currently under Senate custody were “traumatized” by the killing of their childhood friend, but noted that they are still willing to testify.

“Despite their fear and trauma, they remain committed. They show courage beyond fear. They want to reveal what they saw and what happened to their childhood friend,” she added.

She also reiterated that the decision to testify before the Senate was theirs despite the insistence of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II that the witnesses should be placed under the government’s witness protection program (WPP).

“I keep saying this, this is the decision of the kids all along. They want to help,” the senator said.

On Friday, the mother of one of the minor witnesses allowed the Senate to take custody of her child.

This was revealed by Hontiveros following reports that the mother of this minor witness, who works as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Oman, accused the senator of not seeking her permission to take her child under her custody.

It may be recalled that the witnesses were initially under Hontiveros’ custody until she turned them over to Senate custody Thursday night (August 24) after the Senate probe into Kian’s killing.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Maria in Vancouver

Lifestyle4 days ago

How I Got My Groove Back

Life is not life if it’s just plain sailing! Real life is all about the ups and downs and most...

Lifestyle2 weeks ago

Upgrade Your Life in 2025

It’s a brand new year and a wonderful opportunity to become a brand new you! The word upgrade can mean...

Maria in Vancouver1 month ago

Fantabulous Christmas Party Ideas

It’s that special and merry time of the year when you get to have a wonderful excuse to celebrate amongst...

Lifestyle1 month ago

How To Do Christmas & Hanukkah This Year

Christmas 2024 is literally just around the corner! Here in Vancouver, we just finished celebrating Taylor Swift’s last leg of...

Lifestyle2 months ago

Nobody Wants This…IRL (In Real Life)

Just like everyone else who’s binged on Netflix series, “Nobody Wants This” — a romcom about a newly single rabbi...

Lifestyle2 months ago

Family Estrangement: Why It’s Okay

Family estrangement is the absence of a previously long-standing relationship between family members via emotional or physical distancing to the...

Lifestyle4 months ago

Becoming Your Best Version

By Matter Laurel-Zalko As a woman, I’m constantly evolving. I’m constantly changing towards my better version each year. Actually, I’m...

Lifestyle4 months ago

The True Power of Manifestation

I truly believe in the power of our imagination and that what we believe in our lives is an actual...

Maria in Vancouver5 months ago

DECORATE YOUR HOME 101

By Matte Laurel-Zalko Our home interiors are an insight into our brains and our hearts. It is our own collaboration...

Maria in Vancouver5 months ago

Guide to Planning a Wedding in 2 Months

By Matte Laurel-Zalko Are you recently engaged and find yourself in a bit of a pickle because you and your...