PNP relieves Rizal provincial police director over Rodriguez incident

July 17, 2019

The Philippine National Police relieved the police director of Rizal province in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl during an anti-drug operation in Rodriguez town.

Brig. Gen. Edward Carranza, director of the Calabarzon police, placed Col. Lou Evangelista on floating status.

“He was relieved from his post for his failure to exercise due diligence in supervising his men,” Carranza said in a statement.

Col. Renato Alba, chief of the Calabarzon regional logistics division, assumed command effective Monday.

Investigation showed bullets from the gun of Police Master Sergeant Conrado Cabigao hit Kateleen Mica Upica on the head based on its upward trajectory.

Cabigao was also killed during the shootout where Ulpina's father, Renato, allegedly used her as a human shield.

While no  fragment was recovered, PNP Crime Laboratory director Police Brig. Gen. Rolando Hinanay said the bullet likely came from a .9mm pistol.

A homicide case will be filed against Police Corporal Mark Jherson Olano after investigation showed bullets that hit Ulpina's right thumb and left foot came from his firearm.

No police commissioned officer was present during the operation which violates standard operating procedure since the suspects were considered high value targets, investigation showed. DMS