Doria says police “sternly” follow protocol in operations

CEBU, Philippines - Law enforcement agencies reiterated that their standard operating procedures (SOP) call for personal safety and strict observance of human rights.

This, after the public outcry over the death of 17-year-old Kian Lloyd de los Santos, who was manhandled by policemen in Caloocan City last August 16, whom police alleged was a drug courier and in possession of firearms.

The incident was caught by closed-circuit television cameras in the area.

Cebu City Police Office City Director Senior Superintendent Joel Doria explained that part of the police’s SOP is to disarm suspects and minimize casualty.

However, if the subject of the operation continues to resist arrest, police are called to protect themselves, in case the subject shoots it out with them.

“Sa atin kasi is to arrest, pero when duty calls, kung may threat na sa buhay mo, you have to defend yourself, self-preservation. Ang susunod natin dun, is respect for human rights. Yun ang ating utmost priority during police operations.  Nakikiusap tayo sa kanila na huwag lumaban during police operations, at hanggang maaari, mag-surrender na lang,” Doria said.

Since he assumed the position as the city director, Doria claimed that their track record remains untainted by any human rights violations, because police protocol is followed sternly.

He said that all arrested personalities have a designated case folder and regularly updated in case investigation is still pending.

“Our records from Janurary 1 until this date, wala tayong recorded na died in police operation na taga Cebu City. Lahat ng involved or killed during police operations, may folder yan. Ini-imbestigahan din natin yan, and we even request the Internal Affair Service to conduct formal investigation,” Doria said.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 Spokesperson Leia Albiar, for their part, said that as much as possible agents will avoid bloody operation.

However, if the suspect threatens not only the agents but also the civilians, then they will act based on their call of duty.

“Ang mandato gyod sa agency is to protect the lives of the public from illegal drugs. As much as possible paningkamutan sa agent nga dili mo-resort of killing the subject pero kung at stake naman pud ang kinabuhi sa ahente ug mga tawo sa surroundings, they will act upon the threat,” said Albiar.

From August 1 to present, there are already at least six drug suspects killed during PDEA operations, with the one in Barangay Luz, Cebu City last Friday as the most recent operation where there was fatality.

Albiar added that the death of the subject during operation is also considered a loss on their part, specifically to their intelligence unit since no information will be gathered.

“Sila (agents) ra gihapon ang lugi kay back to zero, kay na-neutralize tuod ang tawo pero puwede man unta nga maka-provide siya ug mas bigger pa nga project para sa atua pero kay wala naman ma-counterproductive ang overall effort,” Albair said.

She, however, hopes that drug suspects will avoid fighting with the police during operations and just surrender themselves to avoid any commotion which will only lead to a bloody operation.

Since August 1, PDEA-7 already conducted at least 16 operations with 12 drug personalities arrested, one at large, while six were killed.

Meanwhile, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is hoping that the Cebu Provincial Police Office can assure that such incident will not happen in Cebu.

"I hope not. Let’s pray nga dili na mahitabo nato.  It’s sad. Kami mismo ni Mrs. Davide, when we saw the footage of his mom crying out for justice for her son, I thought it has got to be investigated to find who is responsible," he said.

Moreover, the governor said he does not believe that Kian was involved in drugs. (FREEMAN)