Prosecutors to handle preliminary probe on Kian’s case named

MANILA, Philippines — Three prosecutors have been designated to handle the preliminary investigation on the case of a high school student slain in an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City.

Severino Gaña Jr., officer-in-charge of the National Prosecution Service, issued Office Order No. 1657 or the designation of panel prosecutors on Tuesday.

The three-member panel to handle the murder and torture case filed by Kian’s parents, Saldy and Lorenza, is composed of the following:

• Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Tofel Austria

• Assistant State Prosecutor Amanda Garcia

• Associate Prosecution Attorney Moises Acayan

“The above panel shall conduct the preliminary investigation of NPS Docket No. XVI-INV-17H-00221 entitled "Saldy F. Delos Santos and Lorenza D. Delos Santos vs PCSupt. Amor Cerillo et al.," for violation of Article 248 (Murder) of the Revised Penal Code and violation of sections 4 (a-1) and (A-14), 14 (1) and (5) RA 9745 otherwise known as the anti-torture Act of 2009," and if evidence warrants, to file the corresponding information/and to prosecute the same before the court of proper jurisdiction,” Gaña’s order read.

Kian’s parents filed the murder and torture charges against Police Officer 3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jerwin Cruz and PO1 Jeremias Pereda.