PNP says mother of child killed in drug sting has right to sue cops
MANILA, Philippines – The mother of the three-year-old child killed in the crossfire during a drug buy-bust operation in Rodriguez, Rizal has the right to file charges against involved police officers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
“Karapatan po ng nanay ng bata na magsampa ng kaukulang kaso, at tayo ay nakahandang umalalay kung kinakailangan na bigyan [siya] ng assistance para maisampa niya ang kanyang reklamo (The mother of the child has the right to file a case and we are ready to assist her if she needs assistance in filing the complaint),” PNP spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac said in an interview over radio DZMM.
Banac said the PNP is currently investigating the June 29 operation that turned bloody and led to the deaths of three-year-old Myca Ulpina, her father Renato, another drug suspect, and Senior Master Sergeant Conrad Cabigao who was the poseur buyer in the operation.
READ: 3-year-old girl hit in drug buy-bust crossfire dies
Police earlier alleged that Renato may have used his child as a human shield during the gun battle.
Twenty Rodriguez, Rizal police officers have since been relieved from their posts to give way to an impartial investigation.
Banac said the PNP will sanction police officers involved if it is proven that irregularities were committed.
“Hindi natin ito inaasahan. Ito ay aksidente. Tayo ay nalulungkot na nadamay yung bata sa engkwentro (We did not expect this. This is an accident. We are saddened that the child got caught in the crossfire),” he said.
Banac said the PNP is currently taking statements of witnesses to the incident.
He explained that the police, as much as possible, do not want casualties in anti-drug operations, but officers are prompted to retaliate when suspects resist arrest or put up a fight.
“We uphold the rule of law. Ang paggalang sa karapatan ng tao ay palaging pinupukpok sa kaisipan ng mga pulis (Respect of human rights is always being instilled in the minds of police officers),” he said. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)
