Slay of ‘Pieta’ drug suspect Michael Siaron proves drug traders kill each other —Palace

After the police identified the suspected killer of Michael Siaron, Malacañang on Saturday asserted that the solving of the case confirmed the government's earlier position that many of the drug-related killings were committed by illegal drug syndicates themselves.

"The Siaron case verifies what government has said from the start of the campaign against illegal drugs: Many of these killings were perpetrated by those involved in drug operations as well; drug traffickers and pushers eliminating each other," Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

"Authorities have put closure on the death of Michael Siaron, whose photo was compared to the 'Pieta' image, after ballistics examination from a recovered firearm revealed that he was killed by a member of a syndicate also involved in the illegal drug trade," Abella said.

The Pasay City Police declared the killing of Michael as "case closed" as they have identified the suspected killer as a certain Nesty Santiago through a ballistic exam on the recovered firearm of the suspect. 

Santiago is a member of a syndicate involved in robbery hold up, carnapping, gun for hire, and the illegal drugs trade.

"The relentless attribution of such killings to police operations was both premature and unfair to law abiding enforcement officers who risk life and limb to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs in our society," Abella said.

"Government assures the public and the families of victims of deaths under investigation that authorities will pursue cases until the truly guilty are brought before the bar of justice," the Palace official added.

Siaron was shot dead by unidentified assailants, who also placed a carton with the words "Wag tularan si Siaron dahil pusher umano," about three months ago.

The photo of Jennilyn Olayres as she held the lifeless body of her live in partner Siaron was posted in local and international publications because of its similarity to  Michelangelo's "Pieta" — a popular 15th century sculpture depicting Mary holding the lifeless body of Jesus. — Ted Cordero/MDM, GMA News