Palace mulls independent body to probe EJKs after SC affirms Kian delos Santos conviction

Malacañang is considering proposals for an independent commission to investigate extrajudicial killings following the Supreme Court's affirmation of the conviction of three police officers in the Kian delos Santos case.

Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez stated that the Palace is still reviewing the Supreme Court's decision.

This development reinforces calls from the Church, civil society, and some lawmakers for an independent truth commission to investigate extrajudicial killings linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old student, was killed during a 2017 police operation in Caloocan City, a case that drew significant international criticism.

The convicted police officers, Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda, and Jerwin Cruz, have been ordered to jointly pay Delos Santos' family P275,000 in damages.