NANCY: DEATHS OF CHILDREN IN ONGOING DRUG WAR DISTURBING, OUTRAGEOUS
...says Kian delos Santos could have been anyone's child

Senator Nancy Binay today expressed her outrage over the deaths of several minors in the Administration's ongoing war against illegal drugs.

"The deaths of these children are extremely enraging and brought me a heavy heart. And like every parent, I fear for the safety of my children. Kian could have been my son or daughter, or any policeman's child for that matter," she added.

Kian Loyd delos Santos, a 17-year student who was killed in Caloocan City last week, was the latest victim of the war against drugs who died in the hands of police operatives.

Kian was the latest addition to the list of minors who were fatally killed in the drug war, and who were either victims of mistaken identity or "collateral damage".

"Nakaka-alarma at nakakabahala na pati mga menor-de-edad ngayon ay hindi na ligtas at nagiging biktima na rin. Hindi na po katanggap-tanggap na sabihing isang isolated case lang ito," Binay said.

Children are paying for the price of a fumbled police operation. Since last year, the anti-drug campaign has claimed the lives of 5-year old Danica May Garcia; 5-year old Francisco Manosca; Kristine Joy Sailog, 12; Emmanuel Lorica, 17; and many others.

"Ilang inosenteng bata na ang nadadamay, at hindi mapapawi ng mga 'sorry' ang galit at lungkot ng mga magulang," she added.

Binay, a mother of four, said that no amount of apologies would bring back the children to their parents.

"Hindi tayo dapat maging tahimik sa pagkamatay ng mga batang tulad nila Kian, Danica May at iba pa," Binay said.

"Nakikidalamhati po ako sa mga mahal sa buhay ni Kian, alam kong mabigat sa mga magulang niya ang kanyang kawalan, lalo na at sa ganung pangyayari. I also cry for justice for Kian and other children whose lives were lost because of this violent campaign," Binay said.

THE SENATE WILL ACT

Binay said that the Senate will do its part to bring justice to the families.

"We in the Senate will act on this. To the rogue cops, you will have your day in the Senate investigations, you will all be made accountable for murder," she said.

Binay added that while she supports the war against illegal drugs, there are other means to address the problem.

"We need to stop the trade of illegal drugs at the source, lalo na yung pagpasok ng droga sa bansa. Hanggang ngayon ay may balitang dahil sa kuntsabahan ng ilang matataas na opisyal ay nakakapasok ang bulto-bultong droga sa Pilipinas," she noted.

Binay also appealed to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to respect the rule of law and due process.

"Sana di totoo ang mga bali-balitang merong 'quota', dahil kung ganun man, malinaw na pag-aabuso ito ng kapangyarihan at pagbalewala sa due process at rule of law," she added.

"I also call on the leadership of the PNP to not turn a blind eye to these deaths; and investigate and arrest those responsible for the killings," she added.

"Kung palaging kailangan may mamatay sa laban sa droga, walang panalo sa giyerang ito, tayo ang talunan dito," she added.