NPD chief blames 'sensationalized killing of pusher' Kian delos Santos for his relief

The erstwhile chief of the Northern Police District blamed his administrative relief to the "heightened, politicized, and sensationalized" killing of Kian Delos Santos, who he continued to describe as a "drug pusher."

In a statement, Chief Supt. Roberto Fajardo described himself as a "good soldier and policeman" who always followed orders.

"In my heart, I know I have been doing my job. At least I have been relieved na nagtatrabaho to put a stop to illegal drugs," he said.

Fajardo's statement comes hours after Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa ordered his administrative relief for command responsibility over Delos Santos' death during a drug operation in Caloocan City. Fajardo would be transferred to the Administrative Holding Unit of the PNP at Camp Crame for the time being.

The move comes a day after Fajardo claimed that they had intel that Delos Santos was a drug suspect, despite admitting that the 17-year-old was not on any drug watchlist.

Friends and family of Delos Santos have refuted Fajardo's claims.

President Rodrigo Duterte also cast doubt on the intelligence reports, saying they could not be proven in court.

Already under restrictive custody are the three police officers who were last seen with Delos Santos: Police Officer 4 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda, and PO1 Jerwin Cruz.

Chief Inspector Amor Cerilo, the precinct commander, has also already been relieved from his post.

Caloocan City police chief Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna, on the other hand, has been placed under administrative relief to “preclude the possibility of his influence over the investigation of the incident.”

Delos Santos was killed on the night of August 16 when he allegedly attempted to evade arrest as they approached him. Police gave chase but had to return fire when the boy allegedly drew a gun and fired at them.

Reportedly recovered from De los Santos were a cal.-45 pistol and two sachets of suspected shabu with a street value of about P20,000. His relatives, however, denied that Kian was involved in the illegal drug trade, saying the items did not belong to the teenager. Witnesses have also claimed that the cops' version of events was contrived.

CCTV footage also showed that the police officers appeared to be restraining Delos Santos as they walked him toward the place where he was killed, contrary to police claims that he resisted arrest and ran off. —Anna Felicia Bajo with Amita Legaspi/JST, GMA News