Saldy Delos Santos, father of Kian Loyd, a 17-year-old Grade 11 student, who was killed allegedly in a shootout with police, comforts his son’s girlfriend at his wake in their house Friday, Aug. 18, 2017 in Caloocan city north of Manila, Philippines. The killing of Kian has sparked protests and condemnation from concerned citizens. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The Department of Education has issued a statement denouncing the murder of Kian delos Santos and “all forms of violence against our students, teachers, and personnel.”
“The Department of Education strongly condemns the shooting of Kian Loyd Delos Santos, a Grade 11 student of Our Lady of Lourdes Senior High School in Valenzuela, by elements of the Caloocan police,” it said in a statement.
Delos Santos was allegedly killed during an anti-illegal drugs operation. Police said the 17-year-old boy shot at them but closed-circuit television footage belied such claims.
The DepEd said it supports calls for an “impartial investigation” of what happened.
“We also support President Duterte’s directive to uphold the rule of law, and to put to jail those who will be found responsible for the student’s death,” it said.
“While we acknowledge that law enforcement is an important aspect in the government’s comprehensive efforts to battle illegal drugs, ensuring accuracy of information and upholding the rule of law should not be compromised,” DepEd said.
The agency expressed sympathies to the family and loved ones of Delos Santos.