The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured Friday that it will leave no stone unturned in its investigation into the case of a three-year-old girl who died in an anti-drug operation in Rizal province last week.
Police Colonel Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, issued such response after the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called for a transparent probe on the death of Myca Ulpina who was caught in a crossfire during a supposed buy-bust operation in Rodriguez town last June 30.
Ulpina died after she was allegedly used by her father, Renato — the subject of the buy-bust — as a “human shield” against the operating cops.
Renato, his alleged companion Renato Kahilig, and Senior Master Sergeant Conrad Cabigao also died during the shootout.
“Indeed, a full dress investigation is in order to determine the circumstances surrounding that fateful encounter that claimed four human lives,” Banac said.
“That is precisely the reason why all police operatives who were involved in that operation had been placed on administrative relief to preclude undue influence on the inquiry,” he added.
Ulpina’s mother had refuted the police’s claim that her child was used as a human shield, saying they were sleeping when the cops barged into their house.
Police General Oscar Albayalde, PNP Chief, earlier ordered the administrative relief of Rodriguez police chief, Police Colonel Resty Damaso, and his 19 subordinates.
The firearms of the sacked policemen were also subjected to ballistic examination to determine whether the bullet that hit the young girl came from one of them.
Banac, however, said they have yet to receive the results of the ballistic examination.
Earlier, lawyer Jacqueline de Guia, CHR spokesperson, said deaths in the drug war which were categorized as “collateral damages” cannot be simply dismissed such as the “nanlaban” cases or those instances where drug suspects allegedly fought authorities during operations.
“Collateral damages during police operations may be unavoidable. But there is always the need to investigate to ensure that everything was done to avoid such mishaps and that accountabilities can equally be determined, should there be any lapses or violation,” de Guia said.
For his part, Banac maintained the PNP is committed to observe rules of engagement during police operations.
“From day one of this national campaign against illegal drugs, government has declared drug war versus the drug syndicates and all those involved in the illegal drug trade,” he said.
“Those who have taken a life of crime must be subjected to our laws while those on the side of the law must observe rigid rules of engagement,” he added. (Martin A. Sadongdong)
