Kian delos Santos' killing was state-sponsored —human rights group

A human rights advocacy group on Wednesday insisted that the drug-related killings including the slay of Kian Loyd delos Santos was state-sponsored.

In a News To Go report by Mariz Umali, Fr. Gilbert Billena of the Order of Carmelites and of the group Rise Up for Life and for Rights said authorities have not conducted proper investigation on the slays of suspected drug personalities.

"Ito'y malaking katanungan bakit hinahayaan ito at nangyayari ito sa ating bayan, sa ating lipunan. Ito ba ay bansa na ng kamatayan o bansa para sa buhay?" Billena asked.

Delos Santos, who police claimed was a newly-identified drug suspect in their area, was killed on the night of August 16 when he allegedly attempted to escape cops as they tried to approach him.

Police chased and fired shots at him when the 17-year-old boy allegedly drew a gun and fired at them.

Witnesses, however, dismissed the claims of the police.

CCTV footage also showed that the police officers appeared to be restraining Kian as they walked him toward the place where he was killed, contrary to police claims that he resisted arrest and ran off.

Meanwhile, Billena also believed that the relief from post of Chief Superintendent Roberto Fajardo was not enough in seeking justice for Kian.

On Tuesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa ordered Fajardo's administrative relief for command responsibility over Kian's death during a drug operation in Caloocan City.

Fajardo will be transferred to the Administrative Holding Unit of the PNP at Camp Crame for the time being. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News