Palace cautions cops not to be ‘reckless’

FOLLOWING the killing of a 17-yearold student during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City, Malacañang called out on Saturday police officers not be "reckless" in the exercise of power and authority.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the death of Kian Lloyd delos Santos, who was shot dead by the police in Barangay 160, Caloocan City on Wednesday night, was “deeply regrett abl e.”

“The violent death of any Filipino is one death too many, especially that of Kian Lloyd delos Santos,” Abella said.

“The deeply regrettable incident has triggered the public sentiment and challenges to those any law enforcement to be wary of the reckless exercise of power and authority,” he added.

The killing of Delos Santos earned the public's ire, especially after learning that he was not included in the list of drug peddlers in the area.

Authorities earlier claimed that Delos Santos attempted to flee and engage policemen in a firefight during the drug raids in Caloocan City.

Witnesses, however, disputed the police’s claim, saying the guns and drugs seized from Delos Santos were planted.

Police Officer 3 (PO3) Arnel Oares, and PO1s Jeremias Pereda and Jerwin Cruz, the three cops involved in Delos Santos’slay, were ordered relieved along with their superior, Chief Inspector Amor Cerillo, head of the Police Community Precinct 7 of Caloocan City.

On Friday, Abella defended the legitimate police operations, saying antidrug operations are “not a reckless exercise of bloodletting.”

He added that Delos Santos’s death was an “isolated” case.

But in his latest remark, Abella said that President Rodrigo Duterte, who waged the war against drug offenders, would ensure that errant policemen would face an investigation.

Abella also echoed the statement of National Capital Region (NCR) Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde that the “mistakes and illegal acts” in the drug raids would not be tolerated.

“NCR Police Director Oscar Albayalde has expressed their condolences to the bereaved family. He has ordered the relief and investigation of all involved and assured the public that mistakes and illegal acts will not be tolerated,” he said.

“Having said this, the President who continues to vigorously pursue the dismantling of drug apparatus ensures that any enforcers will be properly investigated. The task of building a nation worthy of all demands participation of all citizens and this incident challenges the nation to be more vigilant,” Abella added.