Family marks Kian’s rst death anniversary

The family of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos yesterday marked the first death anniversary of the teenager, who was killed in a police anti-drug operation in Caloocan on Aug. 16, 2017.

With residents and organizers from Akbayan at the site where Kian was killed, Tricia delos Santos, 24, wiped away tears as she held in her arms a photo of her brother, whom she described as a sweet sibling.

Kian was there to give support when she gave birth in July last year, Tricia recounted between tears in an interview with The STAR. It was the last time she saw her brother alive.

“I just hope that other families who lost their loved ones can seek the truth and find justice,” Tricia said, as residents lit candles behind a wall along the Tullahan River, marked by a wreath of flowers, where Kian was killed with a gunshot wound in the head.

Tricia admitted finding it difficult to move on, and that sometimes she talks to Kian as if he were still alive.

“Until now I still feel that he is still alive. Like he is just nearby,” Tricia said between tears.

A Caloocan court has been trying three police officers accused of murdering Kian and planting evidence on him for the past six months.

Kian’s four-year-old cousin, who is close to the teenager, was heard talking to Kian, whose ghost residents have claimed was seen by the open window, his favorite spot in their house, Tricia said. This made them consider counseling for the child. “I still pray for kuya Ian,” the child told

The STAR, before she scampered to the spot where Kian was killed.

She posed for a photo flashing a peace sign, her favorite pose with Kian, who fondly called her “Chi Chi.”

Kian’s uncle Randy delos Santos said he hoped President Duterte would fulfill his promise to help them attain justice, as he expressed fear the President may give the detained police officers parole once convicted.

Randy hoped that Kian’s case would help other victims of the drug war to stand up and file cases against errant police officers.