MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros has demanded that executives involved in the alleged cover-up of the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos be held accountable, following revelations that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs and Caloocan officials may have orchestrated efforts to tamper with evidence and intimidate witnesses. The call, made on December 23, 2025, revives scrutiny on one of the most emblematic cases of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, where three police officers were convicted of murder in 2018.
Hontiveros, chair of the Senate committee on women, children, and family relations, stressed that justice for Kian—a minor gunned down in an anti-drug operation—requires probing higher-ups: “The convicted officers were scapegoats; the real masterminds who ordered the cover-up must face consequences.” She cited ongoing testimonies and documents suggesting former PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa and other senior officials pressured subordinates to fabricate reports portraying Kian as a drug runner who fought back (nanlaban).
The case gained renewed attention after a recent witness surfaced claiming intimidation and evidence planting. Kian’s parents have long maintained their son was an innocent student executed in cold blood, with CCTV footage contradicting police narratives.
Hontiveros urged the Department of Justice and Ombudsman to reopen investigations into command responsibility, warning that impunity for cover-ups erodes trust in institutions. The three convicted officers remain imprisoned, serving reclusion perpetua.
As the holidays highlight family bonds, Hontiveros’ push resonates: True justice for Kian means no one—regardless of rank—escapes accountability for his senseless death.
Case Recap Snapshot:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Kian Loyd delos Santos (17) |
| Date of Incident | August 16, 2017 |
| Convicted | 3 police officers (murder, 2018) |
| Alleged Cover-Up | Tampered evidence, witness intimidation |
| Current Call | Probe executives (e.g., dela Rosa era) |