PNP: Jemboy Baltazar case an eye opener for cops to follow proper procedures

Published February 27, 2024 04:40 PM By JOVILAND RITA,GMA Integrated News

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said that the case of Jemboy Baltazar should serve as an eye opener for the police personnel to strictly follow operational procedures.

“Sana po ay magsilbi po itong eye-opener at reminder sa  mga pulis na to adhere doon sa umiiral nating police operational procedure,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said during a press briefing.

(We hope this serves as an eye-opener and reminder to the police to adhere to our existing police operational procedure.)

Fajardo said that the use of firearms should not be the first approach in capturing a suspect as stated in the PNP’s operational procedure.

Fajardo made the statement after the promulgation on the case of 17-year-old Baltazar, who was killed in an alleged case of mistaken identity during a police operation in Navotas City in August 2023.

Navotas City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 286 found former Police Staff Sergeant Gerry Maliban guilty of homicide, sentencing him to four years in jail.

For illegal discharge of firearms, the court also convicted Police Executive Master Sergeant Roberto Balais Jr., Police Staff Sergeant Nikko Esquilon, Police Corporal Edmark Jake Blanco, and Patrolman Benedict Mangada.

Meanwhile, the RTC acquitted Police Staff Sergeant Antonio Bugayong for murder.

Fajardo said the PNP welcomes and respects the decision as she expressed condolences to the Baltazar family for their loss.

“Nirerespeto at welcome po itong naging desisyon ng RTC. Ito po ay pagbibigay hustisya bagama't hindi na po natin maibabalik ang buhay po ni Jemboy patuloy po tayong nakikiramay sa pamilya po nila,” she said.

(We welcome and respect the RTC decision. This is justice, although we cannot bring back Jemboy's life. We continue to sympathize with his family.)

For Fajardo, the decision showed that the judicial system is working when it comes to the police organization.

“The clarity provided by the court’s decision on the murder charges initially brought against the policemen underscores the importance of due process and the rule of law in our society,” the PNP said in a separate statement.

“The dismissal of the aforementioned personnel from service in September 2023 underscores the PNP’s unwavering stance on accountability and swift action against misconduct,” the PNP added.

In connection, the PNP said it will enhance its training, protocols, and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Baltazar died on August 2, 2023 while he and a friend were about to go fishing. They were shot several times by Navotas City policemen who were pursuing a shooting suspect in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran.

The victim's companion 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 cops who were initially reported to be involved in the incident said in their affidavits that they fired shots into the water but claimed that they did not intend to hit Baltazar.

Based on the autopsy, Baltazar was hit twice: one to the head with an entry wound behind the ear and an exit wound on the nose while the other shot struck the teenager 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.—RF, GMA Integrated News

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