Dead cop’s gun killed Rizal child

DRUG WAR CASUALTY Leejay Acopio sprinkles holy water on the coffin of her 3-year-old daughter, Myca Ulpina, who was killed in a police operation that targeted the girl’s father in Rodriguez, Rizal, on June 29. —AP

SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna, Philippines — The bullets that hit and killed 3-year-old Katelen Mica Ulpina were traced to police officers who “fired indiscriminately” during the June 29 antidrug operation that left four people dead in Rodriguez town, Rizal province.

But the fatal shot that hit Ulpina in the nape was traced to the weapon of Senior Master Sgt. Conrado Cabigao Jr.

Mica, said to be the youngest victim by far of the government’s antinarcotics campaign, was also hit in her right thumb and left foot by bullets fired by Cpl. Mark Jherson Olaño, who was on an elevated position as shown by the bullets’ trajectory.

Police, however, could no longer charge Cabigao for the child’s death, which drew public outrage when Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, quipped that “shit happens” during police operations, resulting in collateral damage.

Cabigao had died during the buy-bust that targeted Ulpina’s father, Renato.

Renato and another suspected drug dealer, Enrique Cawilig, also died during the police operation.

Homicide raps

Police are now eyeing homicide charges against Olaño, as the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) police on Wedneday released the initial results of its investigation of the incident.

Administrative cases will also be filed against three police officials — Chief Master Sgt. Gerry Cordero, the team leader of the operation; former Rodriguez police chief, Lt. Col. Resty Damaso; and chief investigator, Chief Master Sgt. Vladmir Dizon—for command responsibility.

Police Brig. Gen. Edward Carranza, Calabarzon police director, on Monday relieved Col. Lou Evangelista, Rizal police director, over the incident.

Lapses

“These [findings] are so far based on the statements of the policemen. We are still waiting for the results of the ballistics examination before charges are actually filed,” said Police Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran, regional police spokesperson, in a phone interview.

According to results of the initial investigation, Olaño “indiscriminately” fired his gun the moment he realized that Cabigao was hit.

Olaño was reportedly aiming at Renato, who was then carrying his daughter.

“[Olaño] also shot [Renato hitting him] on the shoulder … [as] affirmed by [Patrolman Christopher] Escayde,” the regional police report read.

‘High value target’

It added that the four policemen, who carried out the operation, violated police procedures when they went in for Renato, a “high value target” for illegal drugs, without a senior police official.

“There should have been at least one official, at least with the rank of major,” Gaoiran said.

Gaoiran said despite conducting its own investigation the regional police office will still cooperate should the Senate begin its probe of the incident.

Dela Rosa said he would lead an investigation in aid of legislation as he also apologized for his earlier remarks.