Palace welcomes US ambassador’s concern over Kian’s death

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim. AFP photo

For a change, Malacañang on Wednesday welcomed the US expression of concern over a death in the government’s war on drugs.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said US Ambassador Sung Kim’s statement calling for an investigation of the death of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos in Caloocan City was in line with President Duterte’s order for a thorough investigation of the teenager’s death.

“(The) US ambassador’s expression of condolences echoes (the President’s) sentiments. US Ambassador Sung Kim tweeted his condolences and hopes that  ‘the investigations lead to full accountability,’” Abella said in a statement.

“In a similar vein, President Duterte has issued instructions for a full and impartial investigation of the matter and hold those responsible accountable before the law,” he added.

Kim was the first foreign envoy to speak out on the death of the teenager, which has sparked public outrage against abuses in the President’s war on drugs.

Mr. Duterte on Monday night dismissed police intelligence reports tagging Delos Santos as a drug runner, saying these still had to be verified.

“Intel is intel. If there is no probative value, you cannot use it in court or to the people,” Mr. Duterte told a press briefing.

Delos Santos was killed by Caloocan City police officers on Aug. 16. The police portrayed the Grade 12 student as a drug runner who was killed after he fired at the arresting officers.