The Department of Justice (DOJ) is willing to consider putting the witnesses to the death of 17-year old Kian Delos Santos under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).
Delo Santos was among those killed in the one-time, bigtime drug raid conducted in Caloocan City. The police claimed he tried to fight it out with the cops with a .45 caliber gun but witnesses said he was tortured. The witnesses added that Kian was given a gun, told to run and then was shot.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said they would be willing to consider the witnesses, including the family of Kian to the WPP.
“If they will apply, we are willing to consider them to the WPP,” Aguirre said Monday.
Aguirre has already ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a parallel investigation on the death of Kian.
READ: Hontiveros takes custody of Kian slay witnesses
To be accepted to the WPP, a potential witness has to submit an application and execute an affidavit which will be verified an assessed. Benefits under the WPP include a safehouse, security, allowance and other benefits.
Prior to acceptance to the WPP, the government can still place the applicant under provisional admission upon submission of application to the WPP. JE