NPD cops to undergo refresher seminar on human rights

MANILA, Philippines -  Police officers of the Northern Police District (NPD), particularly those assigned to the Caloocan City police, will undergo a seminar on human rights following the killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos during an anti-illegal drug operation on Aug. 16, an official said yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Dennis Siervo, director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Human Rights Affairs Office, said the seminar will be held from Sept. 12 to 13 but the venue has yet to be known.

 “Although necessary mechanisms are already set into place by the PNP to ensure that human rights are protected and violators are prosecuted, the HRAO has scheduled a refresher seminar on HR for the police officers,” Siervo told The STAR.

Delos Santos was laid to rest on Saturday as family, friends and supporters said their final goodbyes to the teen.

Mourners walked during Delos Santos’ funeral. The crowd chanted “Stop the killings” and “Justice for Kian” as they brought Delos Santos’ casket in front of the Police Community Precinct 7 in Sta. Quiteria, Caloocan City, where the three policemen involved were assigned. They then marched towards Sta. Quiteria Church to hold a eulogy mass.

The three police officers alleged that Delos Santos shot at them, triggering a shootout. A closed-circuit television video, however, showed two of the three officers dragging someone to an alley where Delos Santos was later found dead.

The seminar is supposed to increase the police officers’ awareness of the application of relevant national and international human rights laws, principles and standards. It is also supposed to enhance the level of cooperation between investigators and custodial officers of the PNP, Siervo said.