MANILA, Philippines — A social media post by a netizen asking for guidance and prayers from what was referred to as “St. Kian Delos Santos” has reignited public discussion on justice, memory, and accountability in the Philippines. The post, which included the phrase “St. Kian Delos Santos, pray for us,” quickly circulated online, drawing mixed reactions ranging from empathy and solidarity to criticism and debate.

Kian delos Santos was a 17-year-old student who was killed during a police operation in Caloocan City in 2017, at the height of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. His death became one of the most powerful symbols of alleged human rights violations during that period, particularly because of eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage that contradicted initial police narratives. For many Filipinos, Kian’s story represents the innocence lost amid an aggressive anti-drug campaign.

Over the years, some have come to regard Kian as a symbol of sacrifice, even calling him a hero. A memorial monument erected outside a church in Caloocan further cemented his place in public consciousness. The recent post invoking his name in prayer reflects how deeply his story continues to resonate, especially among those who feel that justice remains incomplete.

Yet this act also opens a broader discourse. When victims of violence are elevated to near-saintly symbols, does it reflect unresolved grief, a lack of closure, or a collective cry for accountability? More importantly, does symbolic remembrance risk replacing concrete action for justice, or does it keep the demand for truth alive? As Kian’s name once again trends online, one question remains difficult to ignore: in remembering victims like him, are we honoring their legacy through justice, or merely through symbols born of unanswered pain? (Larawan: ABC News / Facebook)