Relief of Caloocan top cop starts as CIDG probe on Kian’s death begins

A message of support hangs outside the Fatima Chapel in Barangay 160 in Caloocan City. The family of 17-year-old Kian loyd delos Santos cries for justice and wants those responsible in the killing punished.—LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer

The relief order against Caloocan City police chief has been served effective Monday as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) starts the formal investigation into the death of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos, who was killed during an anti-drug operation on August 16.

READ: PNP chief vows to probe death of 17-year-old suspect in drug ops

Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna was relieved from his post following the death of Delos Santos during the “one-time, big-time” anti-drug operation in barangay 160 in Caloocan.

Bersaluna was relieved as police chief in order not to influence the ongoing investigation and provide an impartial result of the police inquiry.

“This administrative action is a procedural measure to guarantee utmost impartiality in the ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on the circumstances surrounding the death of Kim Loyd delos Santos,” Philippine National Police Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said on Monday.

Bersaluna was not directly the subject of investigation, but Carlos said the administrative relief precludes possibility of his influence over the investigation of the incident that allegedly involved four personnel under his command.

The PNP leadership also extended its sympathy to the family of Delos Santos over the “unfortunate incident, with the sincerest assurance of our highest resolve to serve the best interest of truth and justice.” JPV