Neophyte senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he was sorry for his remark that “shit happens” regarding the death of a three-year-old girl who was allegedly used as “shield” by his drug suspect father during a drug bust operation.
“I apologize to the family for the comment I said. What at said was wrong,” said Dela Rosa.
He admitted that the word he used was for the police community and not for the general public because it is prone to be given another meaning.
“Please, I will recall my words, instead of shit, let us replace it with ‘unfortunate incident happens’,” he added.
He said the death of Myca Ulpina was unacceptable and added that no one wants anyone killed during operations, especially innocent ones.
“I’m sorry if I hurt the family. Nobody had wanted that somebody would die. That’s bad especially for innocent people, an innocent child, 3 years old. Napakasakit ‘yun pag namatayan ka ng anak,” he said.
The neophye senator said he is not heartless as he also feels the agony of the family of the victim, but was just stating what happens in operations when things go awry.
The former PNP chief vowed to conduct a probe on the matter when he is formally elected as chairman of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee when the 18th Congress starts.
On June 29, the police conducted a buy-bust operation targeting Renato Ulpina and another drug suspect.
Police claimed Ulpina used his daughter Kateleen Myca Ulpina as a human shield during the shootout but the victim’s family and a witness denied this.
Four were killed in the incident including Ulpina, Kateleen, another drug suspect, and Senior Master Sergeant Conrad Cabigao who acted as the poseur-buyer.
Dela Rosa, the incoming chairman of the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee, admitted being hurt by criticisms after his “shit happens” remark.
He earlier defended the cops in the July 29 anti-drug operation that resulted in the deaths of four people, including the three-year-old girl.
