‘Kian seen crying at an open window’

MANILA, Philippines — Kian delos Santos, the minor who was killed by Caloocan City policemen in an anti-illegal drug operation, cries for justice even from his grave, according to the victim’s relatives.

In an interview at their home yesterday, Kian’s aunt Ivy and uncle Randy recounted stories of neighbors who allegedly saw the spirit of the teenager crying at an open window in their house.

“The neighbors saw him at an open window,” Ivy said, as her husband opened the window to make us hear the eerie sound of sliding metal.

“He was peering outside, crying,” she added.

When they visited Kian’s tomb last Saturday, Randy said he talked to the boy in his grave, apologizing to him that their Christmas this year won’t be complete without him. 

“I apologized because sometimes I fear I did not do enough,” Randy said, even though it was through his efforts that the family obtained the closed circuit television video, the lead evidence that showed Kian was under police custody even before he was killed.

“We’re used to being complete. We don’t have departed loved ones before Kian. It’s difficult,” Randy said.

For this year’s All Saints’ Day, the family will visit Kian’s grave in La Loma Catholic Cemetery some other day to avoid the prying eyes of cemetery goers who could recognize them from the news.

This was their first Undas without Kian, Randy said, which makes it all the more difficult to bear.

But life goes on for the Delos Santos household, Randy said, especially now that he has to take care of Kian’s grandparents.

Kian’s parents are under the government witness protection program, which makes it difficult for them to visit Kian this Undas, Randy said. 

“Sometimes I think, it should have been me, because I’m old. It’s not normal for a family to lose a child,” Randy said.

“I still believe in the rule of law,” he added. “We still pray for justice. So that Kian’s death won’t be in vain. I can only hope Kian would be the last.”

Each of them has their own stories of how Kian made his presence felt. Kian’s grandmother Violeta said she still hears the teen’s heavy footsteps climbing up the stairs, which she often heard when Kian arrived home from school.

“After the burial, I felt Kian hug me again,” Ivy said, adding that even her three-year-old daughter Shakira, who was close to Kian, once followed Kian outside the house.

“Shakira used to see Kian a lot,” Ivy said. “She followed him once all the way to the river. ‘Kita ko si Kuya Kian. Takbo dun,’” Ivy quoted her daughter as saying.

Kian and Shakira used to play hide-and-seek and dance together, Ivy said, watching her three-year-old surf Facebook in her phone.

There must be a reason Kian has not scared his family yet with his presence – Kian himself was afraid of ghosts when he was still alive, Ivy said.

“He’s afraid of being alone... His father used to tease Kian about a beheaded person upstairs,” Ivy said.

Which is why they could not believe the police tale that Kian fought back with a gun before he was shot by police.

“That’s why we are so angry – how can he hold a gun when he’s even afraid of sleeping alone?” Ivy said.

Violeta recounted the times the boy used to wheedle money from her when the money sent by his mother, an OFW, was not enough.

Getting teary-eyed but maintaining a firm voice, Lola Violeta said Kian used to care a lot for his friends and family.

It was Kian who gave Shakira her first alphabet poster, or who gave them his own Cherry Mobile phone that served as their mini television in the family’s sari-sari store selling mostly school supplies. 

Kian had wanted to become a policeman, his family said. Lola Violeta said Kian even promised he would buy her a condominium unit once he finishes school.

“When I told him I’m angry at him already for always asking for money, he told me, ‘Don’t worry, Lola, once I graduate, I will pay it all back,’” Violeta said.

Carrying Shakira in his arms, Randy showed us the items sold in the store Kian used to tend – notebooks, blackboard chalk, pads of paper, a ruler – items Kian himself used as a Grade 11 student. 

“We opened Kian’s store again,” Ivy said, adding that somehow Kian was still there manning the store.

Hanging on the shelf with stacks of paper is Kian’s photo, just beside a cross adorned with a sampaguita garland.

A nearby frame held a water-stained photo of Kian with the words “Stop the killings!”

“Do you miss Kuya Kian?” Randy asked his toddler. Shakira said she missed the one-peso coins Kian used to give his favorite cousin. When asked if she loves Kian, Shakira shook her head, maybe a bit shy.

What does she miss most, Shakira was asked. The girl pointed her little finger at her young cheek, which used to get Kian’s kisses.

“It’s quiet now,” Ivy said, expressing hope Kian is at peace.