CHR welcomes filing of murder charges vs. cops linked to Jemboy Baltazar's death

The Commission on Human Rights on Saturday said it welcomes the filing of murder charges against six cops allegedly involved in the death of teen Jemboy Baltazar in Navotas City.

"This swift development on the case is an important step towards ensuring justice and accountability, especially as it involves law enforcement agents. We commend the efforts of the DOJ [Department of Justice] in conducting a comprehensive review of the case, which has led to the decision to file murder charges against the six police officers allegedly involved in the death of Jemboy," the CHR said in a statement.

"The senseless death of Jemboy underscores the importance of holding law enforcement agents accountable for their actions to curb violations and abuses that breach fundamental rights. As the country's national human rights institution, CHR firmly stresses that positions of authority, including law enforcers, are not above the law. Those who committed alleged violations must be held responsible considering that they made an oath to serve in accordance with the rules and standards required of police officers," it added.

The commission said it is hoping that the filing of murder charges against the suspects "will serve as a strong message that any alleged human rights violations by law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in our society. Aside from its crucial importance in delivering justice to Jemboy and his family, it can also help restore public trust in our law enforcement agencies."

"The Commission also expects that the case amplifies the importance of abiding with established rules of operations that adhere to human rights based policing to prevent violations that denigrate human rights, especially the utmost right to life.  We trust that the Philippine National Police will continue to strengthen programs and trainings that will imbue its ranks with renewed commitment to human rights practice and values in the conduct of their duty," it added.

"CHR will continue to monitor this case closely and to provide support in aid of ascertaining justice. As we mark this positive development, it is equally important to ensure continued commitment to due process, transparency, and accountability throughout the legal proceedings," the commission further said.

A Navotas court ordered the arrest of six policemen tagged in the killing of Baltazar, according to information gathered from the DOJ on Wednesday.

Those ordered arrested were Police Executive Master Sergeant Roberto Balais Jr., Police Staff Sergeant Gerry Maliban, Police Staff Sergeant Antonio Bugayong, Police Staff Sergeant Nikko Esquilon, Police Corporal Edmark Jake Blanco, and Patrolman Benedict Mangada.

The warrant of arrest was issued by Navotas CIty Regional Trial Court Branch 286.

The six are facing murder charges and thus not entitled to bail

After the warrant of arrest was issued, the six police officers turned themselves in to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Lucena City in Quezon on Wednesday.

Baltazar died on August 2 while on his way to go fishing after he was shot by Navotas City policemen who were pursuing a shooting suspect in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran.

Eight policemen, including the six who were ordered arrested by the court, have been dismissed from service in connection with the incident.

A companion who was with Baltazar said they were preparing their boat when a policeman ordered them to get off. They reportedly tried to give themselves up, but the police officers allegedly kept on shooting, prompting Baltazar to dive into the water.

The police later claimed it was a case of mistaken identity. Some of the six cops who were initially reported to be involved in the incident said in their affidavits that they fired shots into the water and that they did not intend to hit Baltazar.

Northern Police District (NPD) chief Police Brigadier General Rizalito Gapas earlier said the investigation conducted by Navotas City Police on Baltazars death was "not exhaustive."

Noted forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun said autopsy results revealed that Baltazar also had a gunshot wound on his right hand, indicating that he tried to defend himself.

The autopsy found that Baltazar was hit twice, on the head with an entry wound behind the ear and an exit wound on the nose, while the other shot hit him on the right hand.

According to his death certificate, Baltazar’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head as well as asphyxia from drowning. —KG, GMA Integrated News