Cops, asset in Kian’s slay charged in court

MANILA, Philippines — Three police officers and their informant were formally charged before the Caloocan regional trial court (RTC) yesterday for the murder of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos. 

The charges of murder and planting of evidence were raffled off yesterday to RTC Branch 125 Judge Rodolfo Azucena Jr.

According to the criminal information, Police Officer 3 Arnel Oares, Police Officers 1 Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz, and informant Renato Loveraz alias “Nonong” were charged with murder for allegedly conspiring to kill Delos Santos by shooting him in the back of the head during an anti-crime operation in Baesa, Caloocan City on the night of Aug. 16, 2017.

The prosecution recommended no bail in the murder charge against the asset and the lawmen, who are in restrictive custody at the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit in Camp Bagong Diwa.

Delos Santos, who was tagged by the police asset as a drug runner, was shot three times at the back of his head for allegedly fighting back.

His body was found in a kneeling position beside the Tullahan River.

Witnesses have come out belying the police narrative that the teenager was killed for resisting the police. 

A closed-circuit television footage – which showed Delos Santos being dragged by the police officers wearing masks and caps to the Tullahan River – would be used as evidence against the accused.

Before he was killed, the teenager was reportedly heard saying: “Tama na po! May exam pa ako bukas!”

“Upon reaching the dark dead end area near the Tullahan River, they halted and after a brief talk, one of the police officers... pushed Kian, who fell face down on the mud... (Police officer Oares) while (Delos Santos was in that) fetal position fired shots killing the teener on the spot,” the Department of Justice panel of prosecutors said in indicting the cops for killing Delos Santos, described by his family as a hardworking child who tended the family’s sari-sari store.

The four were also charged with planting of evidence for allegedly planting two sachets of shabu on Delos Santos’ body to make it appear he was involved in illegal drugs, and a .45 caliber handgun to make it appear Delos Santos fired back.

Lastly, the three police officers were charged with violation of domicile for allegedly conducting a search of Delos Santos’ house without the owners’ consent, just half an hour before Delos Santos was shot dead. 

The lawmen allegedly pointed their guns at Delos Santos’ siblings while they were conducting an unwarranted search, the prosecuting panel said.