3 cops tagged in Kian slay case formally charged
The three former Caloocan police officers and their alleged asset tagged in the killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos were formally charged Monday before the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court (RTC).
The case of Police Officer 3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda, PO1 Jerwin Cruz, and civilian Renato Perez alias ‘Nono’ or ‘Nonong,’ was raffled to Presiding Judge Rodolfo Azucena of Branch 125.
In a 43-page resolution release on January 29, the Department of Justice (DOJ) panel which conducted the preliminary investigation of the case ordered the filing of murder charges against the suspects.
The DOJ resolution cited the testimonies of eye witnesses, including a minor, who all said that they saw the accused talking to Delos Santos before he was shot dead.
Resisting arrest?
Kian, a 17-year-old Grade 11 student, died at the hands of the policemen after he allegedly resisted arrest during an Oplan Galugad on the night of August 16 in his neighborhood in Libis, Baesa.
The cops claimed that Kian was a drug runner but it was disputed by barangay officials, saying the minor was not included in their drug watchlist.
“This point is extremely significant since it only shows that there was no unlawful aggression on the part of Kian during the time he was shot and killed,” the resolution stated.
Aside from the murder raps, the panel also recommended charging the four with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act for planting of dangerous drugs, and RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Dismissed
The panel dismissed the complaints filed against other police officers, including former Caloocan City Police Community Precinct 7 commander Chief Inspector Ameor Cerillo, PO2 Arnel Canezares, PO2 Fernan Cano, PO2 Diony Corpuz, PO1 Silverio Garcia Jr., PO1 J-Rossillini Lorenzo, PO1 Christian Joy Aguilar, PO1 Myrldon Yagi, PO1 Ronald Herrera, PO1 Reynaldo Dan Blanco Jr., PO1 Ceferino Paculan, PO1 Erwin Romeroso and PO1 Ferdinand Claro.