CHR asks gov’t to step up efforts to bring justice to EJK victims after Caloocan cops conviction

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday called on the government to intensify its efforts to help bring justice to victims of summary killings, following the conviction of three Caloocan policemen over the murder of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos in 2017.

“We call on the government to step up their efforts in delivering justice for all victims of EJKs by ensuring that all perpetrators are apprehended and charged,” CHR chairperson Chito Gascon said in a statement.

The CHR assisted the family of Delos Santos during the investigation into his murder.

Gascon also thanked those who extended their help in the case of the 17-year-old Grade 11 student who was killed during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City on AUgust 16, 2017.

“We welcome the trial court's conviction of Kian's killers and thank all those who assisted in securing justice in this case,” he said.

He particularly thanked the "courageous eye witnesses, the church workers, and human rights defenders who offered sanctuary, and the investigators and prosecutors who performed their duty.’

In a decision promulgated Thursday, Judge Rodolfo Azucena convicted Police Officer 3 Arnel Oares and Police Officers 1 Jeremias Pereda, and Jerwin Cruz in Delos Santos’ murder. — Joviland Rita/MDM, GMA News