THE CONVICTION of Kian delos Santos’ killer cops should be a turning point for deep reforms in the Philippine National Police. Or we hope so. It is a warning to state forces that they are not beyond the law; more importantly, we hope it will act like a splinter of truth to be lodged in the conscience of soldiers and cops throughout the archipelago.
Law-abiding citizens must not fear the police. Their active presence in the barangays and on the streets should evoke calm and welcome, not fear.
There is clearly a need to retrain the police force, particularly on children in conflict with the law, and to revise their rules of engagement.
Regional Trial Court Branch 125 in Caloocan City found Kian’s killers guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole.
Let us not forget, too, Genesis “Tisoy” Argoncillo of Concepcion, Iloilo, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, Reynaldo de Guzman and the other youths whose lives came to an abrupt and tragic end because of police operations. We want good relations between the police and residents of all the local government units they patrol.
This is an essential moment for police officers to examine their conscience and their humanity. The rule of law must be followed. To step beyond this is to commit murder. But even more, our collective humanity and essence as a people is at stake. We must choose a better way.
Addressing the roots of poverty and drug use is essential to bring healing in our land. We should resist the calls for bloodshed and annihilation and insist on upright adherence to due process and respect for the life and dignity for every Filipino. In rejecting the ballyhoo of war and killing, we instead embrace a collective responsibility for healing and peace-building in our country.
