MALACAÑANG on Wednesday assured United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim that there will be a full and impartial investigation into the killing of 17-year-old Kian Lloyd Delos Santos during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella made the assurance again after Kim joined the public outcry over the death of the Grade 11 student.
On Tuesday, Kim took to Twitter his call for full accountability over the police drug operations in the country that led to the death of alleged drug suspects, including Delos Santos.
"My condolences go out to the family and friends of Kian. Hope that the investigations lead to full accountability," the US diplomat said on a Twitter post.
Delos Santos was slain on August 16 by police officers in a drug raid in Barangay 160, Caloocan City. His family insisted his innocence but the police said the slain teenager was a drug courier.
Responding to Kim's concern, Abella echoed the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday that policemen who violate the law will face appropriate sanctions.
"US Ambassador Sung Kim tweeted his condolences and hopes that 'the investigations lead to full accountability,'" Abella said.
"In a similar vein, President Duterte has issued instructions for a full and impartial investigation into the matter and hold those responsible accountable before the law," he added.
On Monday, Duterte vowed that the policemen involved in Delos Santos' death will face punishment if findings of investigations will prove that the killing was a "rub out."
A day after his pronouncement, Duterte admitted before the members of the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) Dragon Boat team that "mistakes" could be encountered when the police officers are carrying out legitimate operations against drug personalities.
"At this time, sometimes, it can go wrong. But if I do not destroy the drug problem, I will compromise the next generation," he said in a dinner with PAF Dragon Boat team at Palace.
"If I have done wrong, then fine. Someday, I'll face the consequences. I'm ready to face the consequences but I need to address this and some other things in life," he added.
Duterte reiterated that he would remain silent on the issue until the investigation is completed.
He said errant policemen will have to "face consequences," if there is really a foul play on the arrest of Delos Santos that resulted in his death.
"We can commit mistakes. That's why there are so many incidents. This thing about drugs, there's a ruckus now on Delos Santos," Duterte said.
"I have expressed my condolences. If the family accept it, good. If they accept it, fine with me. The thing is I will not go there because even if it is true, it is under investigation," he added. (SunStar Philippines)