‘Bato’ vows impartial probe on child’s death in Rizal drug bust 

MANILA, Philippines – To prove that he is not taking sides, former national police chief and now Senator  Ronald “Bato” Dela  Rosa on Monday vowed to investigate the death of a three-year-old girl during a recent anti-drug operation in Rizal.

Dela Rosa said he would immediately initiate an inquiry once he assumes the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs when the 18th  Congress opens on July 22.

The committee is currently being chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson, who opted to yield the post to Dela Rosa.

Fair, impartial

“Yes, yes.   I must tell the public that  gagawin ko ang lahat ng magagawa ko  para magiging fair ako (I will do everything to be fair),” Dela Rosa said   when asked in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel’s “Headstart” if the public can expect a fair and independent hearing.

“Sinabi ko lang na shit happens, that’s a reality , reality yan sa buhay ng police but it doesn’t mean na inaabswelto ko na yung PNP (Philippine National Police) for that incident. May namatay e, may bata na inosente, three-years old, namatay so  they have to face the music (I just said shit happens, but that doesn’t mean I am absolving the police, someone died, an innocent child, so they have to face the music),” he pointed out.

Dela Rosa drew flak when he earlier quipped that “shit happens”  during police operations, when asked to comment on the fatal shooting of three-year-old Myka Ulpina, one of four persons killed in a bloody anti-drug police operation in Rodriguez, Rizal last June 29.

READ: Shit happens, Bato says after a child got killed in drug bust

Dela Rosa, however, later apologized for his wrong choice of words said he should have used the line “unfortunate incidents do happen” instead.

READ: Dela Rosa on ‘shit happens’ remark: Sorry for the wrong choice of words

“Kailangang magakaroon ng investigation  para  managot ang dapat managot dahil  may namatay.  Kahit na unintentional yun na pangyayari but a life has been lost so  kelangan talagang may managot dyan (There has to be an investigation to identify those who are accountable),” he went on.

The senator also promised to conduct the probe in aid of legislation, and not in aid of “grandstanding.” (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)