PRO4A's SITG "Mica" Releases Initial Findings

 Camp BGen Vicente P Lim– The Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) under SITG "Mica"conducted in-depth investigation relative to the incident of buy-bust operation conducted by Rizal Provincial Intelligence Branch and Drug Enforcement Team of Rodriguez Municipal Police Station on June 29, 2019 at Brgy San Jose, Rodriguez Rizal that resulted in the death of PSMS Conrado Cabigao Jr, drug suspects identified as Renato Ulpina alyas Kato and Enrique Cawilig alyas JR. Kato's three (3) year-old daughter Kateleen Mica Ulpina was also hit and died as a result of the operation.

Investigation revealed that the possibility of the bullets who hit Mica’s nape based on its upward trajectory was seen to be coming from the firearm of PSMS Cabigao while the downward trajectory of bullets that hit Mica’s right thumb and left foot was believed to be coming from an elevated position, which was later admitted by PCpl Mark Jherson Olaño as corroborated by Pat Christopher Escayde.

Investigation also revealed that there was no single Police Commissioned Officer present during the time of operation in violation of the Standard Operating Procedure in the conduct of anti-illegal drugs operation as stated in the Police Operational Procedures since the involved personalities were considered as High Value Targets (HVT).

Earlier, RD PRO4A PBGEN Edward E Carranza immediately ordered for the relief of the twenty (20) personnel including the Chief of Police of Rodriguez Rizal PLTCOL Resty Damaso to give way to the investigation. Currently they are under restrictive custody and are closely monitored.

The results of the investigation by RIDMD led to the  herein courses of action to be implemented. Administrative complaints will be filed against PCMS Gerry Cordero for Grave Irregularity in the Performance of Duty who acted as team leader while Grave Neglect of Duty will be filed against PLTCOL Resty Damaso for Command Responsibility.

Another Grave Neglect of Duty will also be filed against PCMS Vladmir Dizon, Chief Investigator of Rodriguez MPS for allowing four (4) patrolmen investigators in handling the case without supervision from a senior police investigator.

Further, criminal complaint of Homicide against PCpl Mark Jherson Olaño will be filed for the death of Mica Ulpina. This is supported by the testimonial evidence from his co-police officers that immediately upon knowledge of the fatal wounds sustained by their comrade PSMS Cabigao, PCpl Olaño went to the laundry area and indiscriminately fired his firearm against Kato who was then carrying his daughter Mica. He also shot Kato on the shoulder while he was on the 3rd floor of the adjacent building, this was affirmed by Pat Escayde. However, the final disposition of this criminal complaint will still depend on the result of the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), now being finalized by the PNP Crime Laboratory Office.

             Meanwhile, PCOL RENATO S ALBA is designated as the Officer-In-Charge of the Rizal Police Provincial Police Office effective July 15, 2019 replacing the former Provincial Director PCOL LOU F EVANGELISTA after he was relieved from his post for his failure to exercise due diligence in supervising his men.

            "This incident was very unfortunate, and we extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mica Ulpina, but we assure the public that no stone will be left unturned until we get to the bottom of this,” RD Carranza said.

      RD Carranza is also appealing to the public or to whoever has knowledge or information that could help in the investigation to report through the PRO4A hotlines: 0945-764-4414 for Globe subscribers and 0908-777-9992 for Smart. (RPIOPRO4)