The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now preparing for the preliminary investigation of the case of flight attendant Christine Dacera following the release of respondents on Wednesday.
Based on the resolution from the Makati prosecutor’s office, the three individuals tagged as suspects of the case were released for further investigation. They will soon undergo full-blown preliminary investigation together with other respondents.
Admitting that there is insufficient evidence, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is now strengthening the case.
“It’s because of the eagerness na gusto agad mai-file ang kaso o kaya na-pressure din. Kahit naman sinong makitang mamatay ang anak, ganoon rin (It’s because of the eagerness to immediately file a case or because of pressure. Anyone who loses a child may do the same),” NCRPO Reg. Dir. PBGen. Vicente Danao explained.
The NCRPO will also determine if the personnel who handled the case will have administrative liability. The special investigation task group created to focus on the case is set to meet Thursday afternoon.
Since the purpose of the initial subpoena issued by the PNP is for fact finding, it will remain effective, according to Danao. However, the suspects do not need to comply with the three-day ultimatum of PNP Chief Debold Sinas since the complaint has not yet reached the court. The result of the toxicology is also needed before confirming the reported use of illegal drugs during the incident
“Ang result ng toxicology is very important. Kung mayroong drugs, sinong naglagay? Kung voluntary namang ininom, who’s to be blame there? (The result of toxicology is very important. If there were drugs, who placed them? If it was voluntary taken, who’s to blame?)” Danao expounded.
Malacaῆang relayed on Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte vowed that the truth will come out and justice will be served to the family of Dacera.
“Siya ay abogado at dati pang piskal. Hindi niya hahayaan na ang mga kriminal ay hindi po mapaparusahan (He is a lawyer and a former prosecutor, he will not let criminals go unpunished),” Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque assured. – Report from Bea Bernardo