No lapse in Makati police probe on Dacera case: PNP

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said there was no lapse on the part of the Makati City police in its investigation on the death of flight attendant Christine Angelica Dacera.

“We will not fault the local police because they were just doing their job. In the desire to have their objective of solving the case is met with such efficiency, they just thought that was it. Since the prosecutor sent back the case for further investigation that was simply it. Further investigate,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said in a message to reporters late Wednesday.

This came after the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office ordered the release of three arrested suspects and resolved that further investigation is needed to determine the circumstances behind Dacera’s death.

“But at least they have started somewhere. Additional evidence (is what the) prosecutor (needs) That’s how the machinery of (the) justice system works,” Usana added.

Usana added that police investigators assigned to the case will just continue their work to attain justice for Dacera.

“Our investigators will just continue their work on the case in just a normal fashion. The challenge to ferret out the truth and serve the ends of justice is everyone’s objective,” Usana said.

In a three-page resolution, the investigating prosecutor also directed the police officers to submit additional evidence, such as the DNA analysis report, toxicology/chemical analysis, and the histopath examination report.

The hearing for the preliminary investigation of the case was set for Jan. 13.

Based on initial reports, Dacera and the suspects celebrated New Year’s Eve at the City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati City.

Dacera was found unconscious inside her hotel room on New Year’s Day and was rushed to the hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.