TACLOBAN CITY — The Supreme Court’s affirmation of the murder convictions of three police officers in the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos could bolster the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, according to youth advocacy group Spark.

In a decision released on December 22, Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez upheld the convictions of officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda, and Jerwin Cruz, sentencing them to up to 40 years in prison and ordering them to pay P275,000 in damages to Kian’s family.

“The Supreme Court decision is a welcome development. Spark hopes this will contribute to curbing the culture of impunity and abuse of authority among the police,” the group said.
The court noted that Kian was likely sitting or kneeling when shot, with bullets entering from the side and back of his head, showing he could not defend himself. Officers had allegedly stopped him in Baesa, Caloocan City, after “finding” suspected drugs, assaulted him, and forced him to a secluded area before killing him.

“The officers deliberately placed Kian in a helpless position, enabling them to kill him with impunity,” the court said.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said Malacañang “still needs to review the Supreme Court decision,” but added that the ruling highlights calls from the church, civil society, and some lawmakers for an independent Truth Commission to investigate extrajudicial killings more deeply.

The murder of Delos Santos remains one of the most high-profile cases tied to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, drawing widespread public outrage and attention to allegations of police misconduct and impunity.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY — Police in Eastern Visayas are warning residents to remain vigilant as text and online scams continue to rise, targeting unsuspecting individuals across the region.

The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) said scammers are increasingly posing as representatives of government agencies, banks, and well-known companies to steal personal information and money. Fraudulent messages often claim that recipients have won prizes or request sensitive data such as verification codes, bank details, or other personal information.

“These schemes are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, especially during the holiday season when online activity is higher,” PRO-8 said. Authorities reminded the public not to respond to suspicious messages or click on unknown links, which could compromise personal information or lead to financial loss.

PRO-8 urged recipients to verify the legitimacy of any message through official communication channels of the alleged sender. Individuals who encounter suspicious texts or online messages are encouraged to immediately report the incident to the nearest police station or via PRO-8’s official contact points.

“Vigilance and prompt reporting are essential to prevent scams and protect the public from falling victim to cybercriminals,” the regional police office added.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A 15-year-old boy staying at an orphanage center drowned in the waters off Barangay Lower Villa Jacinta, Macrohon, Southern Leyte, on New Year’s Day, authorities reported.

The victim, identified as alias “Kai,” a Grade 8 student and resident of Barangay Poblacion, Padre Burgos, was reported missing around 10:10 a.m., prompting a response from the Macrohon Municipal Police Station, report from the Regional Police Office(PRO-8), said.

Concerned residents alerted authorities after spotting the boy floating in the sea.
Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation while police coordinated with the Rural Health Unit (RHU) for medical assistance. Kai was eventually brought ashore with the help of a bystander but was declared dead by the RHU officer.

A social worker from the orphanage revealed that Kai had recently been suffering from epilepsy, which authorities are considering as a potential factor in the drowning.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in Calubian, Leyte, marking another step in the government’s intensified campaign to dismantle armed insurgency and encourage rebel returnees to rejoin mainstream society.

The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) identified the surrenderee as alias “Junie,” 43, a resident of Carigara, Leyte. He was previously assigned to the Buhawi Platoon of the Sub-Regional Party Committee LEVOX under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee and had operated in several second-district towns, including Jaro, Carigara, Capoocan, and Kananga.

Authorities said the former rebel voluntarily surrendered in Barangay Cristina, Calubian, and turned over a caliber .38 revolver with three rounds of ammunition, as well as an unmarked rifle grenade.

PRO-8 said the surrender was made possible through the coordinated efforts of multiple police units, including the 2nd Leyte Police Mobile Force Company, the Provincial Intelligence Unit Tracker Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 8, Provincial Intelligence Team Leyte, the 34th Special Action Company of the 3rd Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, the 805th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and the Calubian Municipal Police Station.

PRO-8 Regional Director PBGen Jason Capoy commended the police units involved, saying the surrender reflected progress toward lasting peace and increasing public confidence in government peace and security programs.

The former rebel is currently under the custody of the 2nd Leyte Police Mobile Force Company headquarters for proper disposition and assessment, including possible enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)