Four years ago, Kian’s life was claimed in the name of the government’s so-called drug war. He was gunned down in August 2017 and died defenseless during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan. Despite claiming that Kian fought back (nanlaban), three police officers were later found guilty of Murder.

Years after Kian’s death, killings continue to persist. The UN Human Rights Office has since urged the government to address the “widespread and systematic killing of thousands of alleged drug suspects” and the “persistent impunity and formidable barriers in accessing justice” in the country. Yet investigations of thousands of cases in question are still pending, with only few cases reaching the courts and other fora.

We call on the government to give better meaning to commitments to uphold human rights by seeking the truth behind numerous deaths and other forms of human rights violations in the country, including cases of alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the government’s anti-drug campaign.

We must continue to assert the value of human life and dignity, and cease regarding others as mere collateral damages in pursuit of public peace.

CHR continues to express its openness to work with government in investigating cases of alleged human rights violation, especially for the plight of weak, vulnerable, and marginalised. Today, as we remember the 4th death anniversary of Kian, we echo our call: Itigil ang patayan (Stop the killings.)

The work in pursuit of truth and justice is never complete until all perpetrators are held to account. ###