Risa seeks executive session for child witnesses in Kian case

MANILA, Philippines —Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Thursday said that she will file a motion to conduct an executive session for underage witnesses in the case of a Grade 11 student killed in an anti-drug operation last week.

The three witnesses, two of whom are minors, are under the protective custody of Hontiveros. One of the witnesses is only 13 years old while the other one is 16 years old.

The senator earlier said that the witnesses are ready to narrate how 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos was allegedly executed by police during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City last week.

"We are ready and eager to cooperate with anyone who seeks justice for Kian and to do so, it was necessary for us to secure the services of a counsel with experience in children and the law and ensure compliance with the rule of examination of child witnesses," Hontiveros said in her opening statement during the Senate probe into the killing of Delos Santos, whose death has sparked widespread outrage.

Supporters of the administration and its drug war insisted last week that the Grade 11 student was a drug courier and that a gun found in his left hand was used in a shootout with police. The boy was right-handed.

LIVE: Senate probe into killing of Kian delos Santos

Hontiveros added that the adult witness is also facing risks as the case involves police officers allegedly conducting extrajudicial killings in the conduct of the so-called war on drugs.

The senator is set to move into an executive session to hear the testimony of the witnesses.

"Malaki po ang kalaban natin, mga kasama. Hindi lang po tatlo o kung ilang tiwaling pulis kundi ang isang malawakang polisiya na nagpapahintulot ng mga patayan sa ngalan ng tinatawag na war on drugs. Nais natin bigyan ng katrungan si Kian at kung nais natin na hindi na magkaroon ng dagdag na Kian, bigyan natin ng boses at sapat na kalinga ang mga saksi sa kanyang pagkamatay," Hontiveros said.

PAO: Mother wants child witnesses released from protective custody

On the other hand, Public Attorney's Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta asked Hontiveros to release the two minor witnesses to their mothers.

The PAO submitted a letter expressing the sentiments of the mother of the witnesses, according to Acosta.

"The mother had conveyed to this representation that she wants to retrieve the living body of these two minors because of various reasons," Acosta, a supporter of the drug war and whose office and independent agency attached to the Department of justice, said.

READ: Kian's death 'blown out of proportion', Justice secretary claims

Acosta, however, clarified that her office would allow the minor witnesses to testify during the executive session provided that they be returned to the custody of their family.

"We commend Senator Risa Rontiveros for taking custody of the two minors but I hope we will respect the choice of the mother herself who is now working in Oman," Acosta said.

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