THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday ended its preliminary investigation in connection with criminal charges stemming from the death of Grade 11 student Kian Loyd Delos Santos last August. 

This developed after the additional 12 policemen charged with murder and torture by Delos Santos' parents filed their joint rejoinder affidavit detailing their defense to the allegations. 

The cops insisted they were not at the crime scene on August 16 when Delos Santos was being pursued by the group of PO3 Arnel Oares on suspicion of being a drug runner.

Among those charged were Police Officers 2 Arnel Cañezares, Fernan Cano and Diony Corpuz, and Police Officers 1 Silverio Garcia Jr., and J-Rossilini Lorenzo. 

Also named respondents were former Caloocan City Police Community Precinct 7 commander Chief Inspector Amor Cerillo, Oares, PO1 Jerwin Cruz, and PO1 Jeremias Pereda. 

Cerillo, Oares, Cruz, and Pereda are facing separate complaints for murder, violation of domicile under Article 128 of the Revised Penal Code, and planting of evidence under Section 29 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 filed by the National Bureau of Investigation.  

The three-man panel of prosecutors is set to come up with a resolution by the second week of November.  (YJG/SunStar Philippines)