A child rights group on Thursday hailed the guilty verdict of the Caloocan Regional Trial Court against three policemen involved in the killing of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos.
The Child Rights Network (CRN) said that the “landmark decision,” which is the first conviction for cops involved in the killings under the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, sends a clear message that justice could still be attained in the country.
“[This decision] is an essential step in the right direction that sends a clear message that even if it is an arduous pursuit, justice can still be attained in the Philippines,” the CRN said in a statement.
READ: 3 policemen guilty of killing Kian delos Santos — court
The CRN said the guilty verdict on the Delos Santos case is a reminder that a nation should uphold the rule of law, “not the monolithic rule of law enforcers.”
The group also said that the conviction should serve as a “powerful opening salvo” that should lead to a future where no minor is murdered by law enforcers.
“This verdict should serve not as the be-all and end-all of the quest for justice for victims of violence against children, but rather as a powerful opening salvo that will finally lead to a future where no child is brutally murdered, especially by state forces,” the CRN said.
The group noted that the Delos Santos case is not an isolated case as he is only one of 74 children killed under the Duterte administration’s crackdown against illegal drugs as of December 2017, according to a report from the Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center.
READ: Group finds 74 minors in drug war body count
The CRN called on the government to realize that children’s rights “hang in the balance” under the campaign against illegal drugs and all efforts should be done to make sure that the killings will be put to an end.
Such efforts should include enacting laws that will safeguard the rights and welfare of children and enforcing measures to ensure that law enforcers will not violate the law.
“All efforts must be done to not only seek justice for all the victims and their families who are left behind but also rightfully and immediately put an end to these heinous crimes,” the CRN said.
The Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Branch 125 found PO3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda and PO1 Jerwin Cruz guilty of killing Delos Santos in August 2017.
The police officers were each sentenced to reclusion perpetua without eligibility of parole. However, they were acquitted of planting evidence on Delos Santos. /ee