DOJ provisionally OKs witness protection for Kian’s parents

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Tuesday provisionally placed the parents of slain high school student Kian Delos Santos under the Witness Protection Program.

Aguirre, who initially said the death of the 17-year-old during a police operation had been "blown out of proportion", said Saldy and Lorenza Delos Santos applied for admission to the WPP at the Justice department.

“We immediately accommodated them,” Aguirre was quoted saying in reports.

Kian’s parents decided to apply for witness protection after they met with President Rodrigo Duterte, who promised them he would not allow police abuse to be covered up.

“Pinangako naman po niya sa amin na sa lalong madaling panahon ay tutulungan niya kaming malutas ang kaso dahil hindi po niya papayagan kung sinuman daw po iyong nagkasala ay dapat maparusahan (He vowed to help us resolve the case as soon as possible. He said those who committed the crime will be punished),” Lorenza said in an online video posted by Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux Uson on Monday night.

Aguirre said the couple had asked Duterte for protection during their two-hour meeting.

“Okay naman. The meeting ran smoothly. Na-address [ang] immediate na pangangailangan ng parents, tulad ng security nila (Their immediate needs, like security, were addressed),” Aguirre said.

Under the WPP, Kian's parents will be provided a monthly allowance, security,  accommodation in a safe house and other privileges once their entry into the WPP is approved. The government will also shoulder their hospitalization and the cost of their medicine, if needed.

The couple needs to execute a memorandum of agreement that sets forth their responsibilities as government witnesses. —Rosette Adel