Supreme Court affirms murder conviction of 3 police officers in Kian delos Santos killingKian Delos Santos's family expresses hopes they will seek justice now that it's been a year since the teenager was killed. MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the murder conviction of three police officers involved in the 2017 killing of 17-year-old student Kian Delos Santos during the anti-drug campaign under detained former President Rodrigo Duterte. The high court upheld the sentence of reclusion perpetua, which carries a prison term of 20 to 40 years. Citing witness accounts from the night of Aug. 16, 2017, the court said the incident began when police officers stopped and searched Delos Santos in Caloocan City. According to the Supreme Court, there was direct admission that Oares shot Delos Santos, although he claimed the shooting occurred during a supposed shootout.

Source: Philippine Star December 22, 2025 13:23 UTC