The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not back down from the campaign against illegal drugs despite the conviction of three Caloocan City lawmen who were found guilty of murdering 17-year old Kian delos Santos under the guise of a drug war.
Director General Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said he sees the conviction by a Caloocan City judge as a reminder to his men to be ‘extra diligent’ in fulfilling the requirements of the law in the conduct of operations.
“But this will not cause us to waiver a bit in our resolve to rid this society of the menace of illegal drugs,” said Albayalde in a statement.
“We will be equally resolute in standing behind our front line personnel toiling in this war while fully upholding the constitutional rights of everyone,” he added.
Found guilty for the crime of murder were Police Officer 3 Arnel Oares and Police Officers 1 Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz. The three cops were also ordered to pay P345,000 as damage.
The conviction stemmed from the death of delos Santos in August last year wherein the three cops were found to have executed the boy despite his pleading for the cops not to kill him.
The police report earlier said that delos Santos traded shots with the policemen, the reason why he died. The three cops were also accused of planting a gun and drugs on delos Santos.
While the PNP respects the decision of the court, Albayalde said that they also recognize that the justice system serves the interest of both the victim and the accused, including the right of those convicted to file an appeal.
“Hence despite the conviction, we understand that legal remedies can still be sought by either of the party since the principle of due process works both ways,” said Albayalde.
The drug war launched in July 2016 has already left more than 5,000 people dead in police operations. Almost 100 cops, on the other hand, were killed in the drug war.
Amid the criticisms on the drug war, particularly the PNP, Albayalde said the conviction is but a proof that justice system clearly works in the country, contrary to the claims of some critics.
“The Philippine National Police respects the decision of judicial authorities that found three Caloocan City policemen guilty in the celebrated slay case of Kian delos Santos,” said Albayalde.
“The early resolution of the case is a clear indication that justice system works in this country. And your PNP stands ready to help ensure that justice will always be served to everyone,” he added. (Aaron Recuenco)