Rizal cop chief sacked over girl’s death in drug bust

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — The director of the Rizal police was relieved from his post while three other police officers are facing charges in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl in a drug bust in Rodriguez, Rizal on June 29.

Col. Lou Evangelista was placed on floating status for failing to exercise due diligence in supervising his men, Brig. Gen. Edward Carranza, Calabarzon police director, said.

Col. Renato Alba Evangelista, chief of the regional logistics division, was named Rizal police officer-in-charge.

Carranza had earlier ordered the relief of Rodriguez police chief Col. Resty Damaso and 19 other police officers over the incident.

As recommended by the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, Carranza said Damaso would be charged with grave neglect of duty under the doctrine of command responsibility.

M/Sgts. Gerry Cordero, team leader in the operation, and chief investigator Vladmir Dizon are facing administrative charges for grave irregularity in the performance of duty and grave neglect of duty, respectively.

Cpl. Mark Jherson Olano will be charged with homicide over the death of Ulpina.

Investigation showed that that the bullet that hit the girl’s right thumb and left foot originated from Olano’s service firearm.

Carranza said Olano indiscriminately fired his gun after M/Sgt. Conrado Cabigao Jr. was gunned down.

Ulpina was hit in the crossfire that killed her father Renato and his unidentified companion aside from Cabigao.

Police claimed Renato used his daughter as a human shield.

Bullet for 9mm

   Brig. Gen. Rolando Hinanay, Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory director, said no fragment was recovered, but the  bullet wound of the girl is “likely compatible” with a 9mm pistol.

The autopsy result showed that Ulpina died after a bullet, which was fired from a distance, pierced her brain.