The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court decision affirming the conviction of three police officers involved in the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos.

In a statement, PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization respects the ruling of the High Court “as this demonstrates that due process and the rule of law are working in the Philippines, ensuring justice is served even in difficult cases.”

“The wisdom of the High Tribunal will serve as our guiding light in crafting and implementation of policies to prevent the repeat of the incident, to uphold accountability and to further professionalize the police organization,” he vowed. 

The Supreme Court Second Division found police officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda, and Jerwin Cruz guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of murder and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua, or imprisonment of up to 40 years.

The Court ruled that all elements of murder were present and held all three accused liable as principals in the crime.

The justices also ordered the convicted officers to pay the heirs of Delos Santos P75,000 in civil indemnity, P75,000 in moral damages, P75,000 in exemplary damages, and P50,000 in temperate damages. 

All monetary awards will earn 6 percent interest per annum from the date of finality of the decision until fully paid.

Nartatez said the ruling serves as a reminder that police officers who violate the law will be held accountable.

Delos Santos was killed during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City in August 2017 during the previous administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.