MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police on Tuesday found nine officers of the PNP Highway Patrol Group administratively liable for operational lapses in the December 5 Parañaque shootout.

Internal Affairs chief Director Jaime Tagaca recommended the filing of charges of neglect of duty and grave misconduct against Chief Inspectors Joel Mendoza and Lawrence Cajipe, Inspector Gerardo Balatucan, Police Officers 3 Jolito Mamanao Jr . and Fernando Rey Gapuz, Police Officers 2 Eduardo Blanco and Edwin Santos, and Police Officers 1 Josil Rey Lucena and Elybeer Cabayan.

The HPG was among three police units that took part in the nighttime street battle with members of the so-called Waray-Waray robbery gang. Among the 16 killed in the shooting were nine alleged robbers, a policeman and six innocent bystanders, including a vacationing migrant worker and his seven-year-old daughter.

“They failed in their mission to protect civilians,” said Tagaca in a briefing at Camp Crame Tuesday afternoon.

In its findings, the IAS said, “The participating elements had some lapses in police procedures because they were not able to prevent innocent civilians from death and injuries.”

“The participating elements were not able to cordon the area [to] prevent civilians from being involved,” it said, adding that “There were also noted possible violations of human rights.”

Of the nine officers to be charged, Cabayan was tagged in the death of Alfonso de Vera and daughter Alyanna. Tagaca said an empty shell found near the De Veras' Isuzu Crosswind was traced to Cabayan's 45-caliber.

Tagaca, however, clarified that “I'm not saying that Cabayan killed the De Veras. I'm just saying there's probable cause to file administrative charges.”

Ballistics examination has still to determine whose bullets killed civilians during the shootout.