INVESTIGATORS admitted Tuesday, July 16, they found lapses in the anti-illegal drug operation in Rodriguez, Rizal that resulted in the killing of a three-year-old girl last month.

The Philippine National Police (PNP)-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) conducted a re-enactment of the operation, which occurred on June 29, against drug suspect Renato Dolorfina and another suspected drug pusher following the order of PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde.

Colonel Joseph Arguelles, Calabarzon head of the regional investigation and detection unit, said they found lapses in the operation and this would lead to filing of administrative and criminal charges against the policemen involved in the operation.

“We are still waiting for the final results of the ballistics examinations and other tests done in connection with this. But there are lapses seen and these will serve as the bases for the filing of the charges, both administrative and criminal,” Arguelles said.

Policemen earlier claimed that Dolorfina engaged them in a gunfight and even grabbed his daughter, Myca, and used her as a human shield. The mother and other witnesses denied this.

Dolorfina, Myca, the other drug suspect and Police Senior Sergeant Conrad Cabigao were killed in the operation.

At least 20 policemen were relieved pending investigation on the incident, while all firearms of the individuals involved underwent ballistics examination to identify who killed Myca.

“Probably in one or two days, we will be able to obtain the final results of the examinations conducted and these will be used in the filing of the cases,” said Arguelles.

He said he could not yet determine how many cops would be charged with criminal and administrative charges, as it will depend on the result of the ballistics examinations and other tests. (SunStar Philippines)