Father of Kian’s witness seeks refuge with bishop
MANILA — The father of one of the children who witnessed the killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos in Caloocan City has sought the protective custody of Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David.
The move came about after the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and representatives of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), bringing the father along, met David Saturday from around O:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the San Roque Cathedral.
In a midnight press conference streamed by CBCP News in the wee hours yesterday, David said the father had initially asked – through a letter – for his children to be returned to his custody. Four of the children are under David’s care, as the siblings had joined the witness.
Custody had been transferred from the Senate to Bishop David after the witness was presented during the legislative inquiry into Kian’s death after a police anti-drug operation.
David told those in charge of the witness that he would agree to take custody provided he receives permission from the parents and guardians, which was duly given.
At the time, however, the witness’ father was in jail for a drug-related case and could not give his consent.
“The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) bailed him out,” David said.
It was after his release that the father executed a statement demanding custody of his children.
David told the father that he recognized the man’s authority as a parent, and that he was willing to release the children.
“Ang pakiusap ko lang, ingatan niyo sila,” David told the father.
The Caloocan Bishop had also prepared a letter for the father to sign to acknowledge that David was turning over custody of the children to him.
(InterAksyon.com)