U.S. calls for ‘full accountability’ in Kian delos Santos killing

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

U.S. calls for ‘full accountability’ in Kian delos Santos killing

Rappler

'My condolences go out to the family and friends of Kian,' US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim says of slain 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos

MANILA, Philippines – The United States called for “full accountability” in the killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos, as Philippine authorities probe his death at the hands of the Caloocan City police.

“My condolences go out to the family and friends of Kian,” US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said in a tweet on Tuesday, August 22.

Kim said he hopes “that the investigations lead to full accountability.”

Delos Santos was a Grade 11 student killed in a drug raid in Caloocan City last August 16. Police claimed Delos Santos fought back using a gun, but witnesses said the student was a victim of a police frame-up. (READ: ‘Nakaluhod tapos nasubsob’: How Kian was shot, according to PAO

The US ambassador made his remarks even as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte slams the US for supposedly interfering in his war on drugs. 

Kim spoke, however, after Duterte himself also backed an investigation into Delos Santos’ death. 

Duterte said on Monday, August 21, that if the investigation proves police murdered Delos Santos, the cops involved will “rot in jail.”  

Delos Santos’ death has fueled outrage against the killings in the President’s drug war, with protesters gathering at the People Power Monument on Monday to condemn drug-related killings under Duterte. (READ: After Kian delos Santos slay, OFWs urged to ‘reflect on Duterte’s flaws’– Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Avatar photo

author

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com