Probing the probers: NCRPO to look into admin lapses in Dacera case

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila police chief Brigadier General Vicente Danao Jr. on Thursday said they would investigate whether police investigators committed administrative lapses in the case of flight attendant Christine Dacera, who died under mysterious circumstances on New Year’s Day.

In an interview with reporters, Danao said it is possible that the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) took their time before securing the crime scene when Dacera died.

“Iyong SOCO, medyo late na pumunta, so I think they went there for a few hours after [Dacera’s death] kaya lagi kong sinasabi sa ating mga tao, dapat nandoon kaagad iyong first responder to preserve the crime scene. Aside from investigators, who will be taking charge of the case, iyong SOCO napakaimportante noon,” said Danao.

(SOCO was late. I think they went there for a few hours, so I keep reminding police that there should be a SOCO team there to preserve the crime scene. Aside from police probers, SOCO is the most important there.)

“In the absence of which, dahil late, dahil naembalsamo na, talagang may kakulangan ang pagiimbestiga. Iyon ang tinitignan natin if there will be administrative lapses on that case and definitely may mananagot,” NCRPO chief added.

(Since they were late, and the body was already embalmed, there is really a lack of investigation. We are evaluating whether there will be administrative lapses on that case and definitely, someone will be liable.)

READ: NCRPO wants SOCO team in each city of Metro Manila

Danao earlier admitted that the provisional charge of rape with homicide lodged by Makati police was still lacking. He said an “airtight” case should provide sufficient evidence.

“Kasi ang hirap mag-accuse ng isang tao kung wala ka namang pruweba,” said Danao. (It is difficult to accuse if you don’t have evidence.)

On Wednesday, the city prosecutor’s ordered the release of detained suspects in Dacera’s death, saying the police need to further investigate the victim’s cause of death and provide more evidence that the 23-year-old flight attendant was raped and killed.

A preliminary investigation on Dacera’s case is set for Jan. 13. [ac]