TACLOBAN CITY — The Supreme Court’s affirmation of the murder convictions of three police officers in the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos could bolster the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, according to youth advocacy group Spark.
In a decision released on December 22, Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez upheld the convictions of officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda, and Jerwin Cruz, sentencing them to up to 40 years in prison and ordering them to pay P275,000 in damages to Kian’s family.
“The Supreme Court decision is a welcome development. Spark hopes this will contribute to curbing the culture of impunity and abuse of authority among the police,” the group said.
The court noted that Kian was likely sitting or kneeling when shot, with bullets entering from the side and back of his head, showing he could not defend himself. Officers had allegedly stopped him in Baesa, Caloocan City, after “finding” suspected drugs, assaulted him, and forced him to a secluded area before killing him.
“The officers deliberately placed Kian in a helpless position, enabling them to kill him with impunity,” the court said.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said Malacañang “still needs to review the Supreme Court decision,” but added that the ruling highlights calls from the church, civil society, and some lawmakers for an independent Truth Commission to investigate extrajudicial killings more deeply.
The murder of Delos Santos remains one of the most high-profile cases tied to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, drawing widespread public outrage and attention to allegations of police misconduct and impunity.
(RONALD O. REYES)
