On August 16, 2017, 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos became one of the faces of a tragic campaign against alleged drug offenders in the Philippines, led by then-President Rodrigo Duterte. Kian was shot and killed during a police operation in Caloocan City, an event that would shock the nation and resonate with calls for justice and accountability.

During the police operation, officers claimed that Kian fought back, insisting that they responded in self-defense. However, CCTV footage surfaced, contradicting their claims. The evidence showed Kian, unarmed, pleading for his life before being shot by the police. This disturbing portrayal ignited widespread public outrage and protests across the country, leading to calls for accountability from human rights organizations and civil society.

In the aftermath of Kian’s death, three police officers were convicted of murder. Despite this verdict, many activists and human rights advocates argue that merely convicting these officers is insufficient. They emphasize that thousands of other killings attributed to the drug war remain unresolved. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, spokesperson for the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, reiterated the ongoing quest for justice, highlighting that vulnerable populations, especially in poorer neighborhoods, are disproportionately affected.

As activists organized to remember Kian on the anniversaries of his death, they emphasized the importance of systemic change. “Itigil ang patayan,” or “Stop the killings,” became a rallying cry, with campaigners urging the government to abandon violent drug policies that endanger innocent lives, especially those of children like Kian.

The urgency for accountability grew as international bodies also took notice. Under Duterte’s administration, which began in June 2016, an estimated 12,000 people lost their lives, prompting investigations from organizations such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Fast forward to March 11, 2025, when Duterte was arrested upon returning to Manila, following an ICC warrant issued against him for crimes against humanity connected to the war on drugs. Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, described this arrest as a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for justice for victims of Duterte’s lethal policies.

Callamard stated, “Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest is a long-awaited and monumental step for justice for the thousands of victims and survivors… His actions turned much of the Philippines into a nation of mourning.” The arrest signified a glimmer of hope for many activists, who continue to advocate for broader accountability beyond just the former president. They urge investigations into the numerous human rights violations perpetrated during his tenure and seek justice for all those affected by the campaign.

Despite Duterte’s arrest, challenges still loom large for human rights advocates in the Philippines. Reports indicate that human rights defenders face escalating threats and harassment. The need for thorough investigations into all killings remains paramount as the nation grapples with the lingering impact of the war on drugs and the culture of impunity that has emerged.

As the Philippines reflects on the legacy of Kian Delos Santos and the complex history leading to Duterte’s arrest, the call continues for a justice system that protects the rights and lives of all citizens, especially the vulnerable.

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