Makabayan bloc seeks House probe into death of girl in Rizal drug bust

(Photo from Makabayan bloc)

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan opposition bloc in the House of Representatives on Tuesday filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the death of three-year-old Myka Ulpina during a police anti-illegal drug operation in Rodriguez, Rizal.

In filing House Resolution No. 41, the Makabayan lawmakers lamented how President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war has “impaired the future of thousands of Filipino children who continue to grapple with the psychological, emotional, social and economic impact of the killings of their loved ones,” and has brought Filipino children as “casualties of police operations.”

The anti-narcotics drive has also “targeted impoverished areas and victimized mostly the youth,” according to them.

The Makabayan group is composed of Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite, and Eufemia Cullamat, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago.

Myka and her father, suspected drug dealer Renato Dolorfina were killed in a crossfire during the anti-drug operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Rodriguez, Rizal on June 30.

The police reportedly accused Myka’s father of being armed and resisting arrest. Police also  alleged that Myka was also used as a human shield by her father.

READ: PNP sees need to review police procedures after kid’s death in crossfire

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde admitted the need to review police procedures in operations saying Myka was not the first “collateral damage” in the government’s drug war. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)

READ: CHR team now probing 3-year-old girl’s death in police anti-drug operation