PAO chief Acosta takes Kian’s case; family to file murder raps

MANILA, Philippines — MANILA, Philippines — Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta on Monday took the case of the 17-year-old boy slain in a Caloocan City anti-drug operation.

Kian Delos Santos’s father, Saldy Delos Santos, on Monday confirmed that his family has decided that Acosta will serve as their official legal counsel.

“Sa ngayon po, si Attorney Acosta po ako lumapit,” Saldy said in an interview with ANC’s "Hot Copy".

“Marami pong umaalok sakin, mga private lawyer pero kay Acosta na lang po ako sasandal po,” he added.

On Sunday, the Office of Vice President Leni Robredo also offered legal assistance through non-government human rights organization Free Legal Assistance Group.

FLAG lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno also expressed willingness to serve as Delos Santos family’s legal counsel.

However, Saldy said Acosta will handle their son’s case.

Acosta on Monday visited Kian’s wake and conducted a visit of the crime scene as well.

PAO’s forensic experts also conducted a test on Kian's remains.

Family to file murder raps vs cops

According to Acosta, the experts found fatal gunshot wounds on Kian’s body. She said the Delos Santos family will file murder charges against the police due to these findings.

“Ito ay gunshot wounds. So, nalulungkot po ako dahil  tatlo pong fatal wounds ang nakita at isa po ay treacherous wound,” Acosta said in a recorded ambush interview.

“Nakakalungkot. Talagang magpa-file po ng murder [complaint] ang family kasi tatlong fatal wounds po ito –  dalawa sa ulo at isa sa likod,” she added.

PAO chief said she will wait for the final forensic examination on Kian's remains and will consolidate the evidence against the cops who conducted the anti-drug operation but she is already determined that it is a murder case.

“So, hindi po kinukunsinti ng PAO kung may abuso,” she said.

In July 2016, Acosta defended police against criticism over the deaths of drug suspects, saying in a radio dzBB interview that the number of those who were killed was 'almost negligible'.

"Kung ibibintang per se sa kapulisan, 'yan ay unfair dahil yung mga sumuko ay hindi naman pinatay ng pulis. Buhay sila," she also said then.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Saturday directed the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate Kian’s case.

Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who earlier apologized for the death of Kian, on Sunday claimed Saldy uses his son as drug courier.

Saldy has denied the allegation and said Dela Rosa should come to their barangay in Caloocan to validate intelligence reports by local police.

Acosta is known to be close to Aguirre. She has also seen in public events of President Rodrigo Duterte and was seen with Dela Rosa at her birthday celebration. 

On Aug. 29, 2016, Acosta was awarded "Outstanding Individual for Government Service" by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption was also awarded the same recognition during the same day.