2 cops to testify in Jemboy case

Two police officers who served as team leaders during the hot pursuit operations that led to the killing of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar will testify in the ongoing case.

In a "24 Oras" report by Emil Sumangil on Thursday, former Navotas Police chief Colonel Allan Umipig said that the cops can shed light as to who really fired at Jemboy.

“Noong una, ayaw nilang umamin, at itong 2 witnesses na ito ay hindi ko pinalusot, dahil sila ang nagsilbing team leaders duon, imposibleng hindi nila alam kung sino ang pumuputok.” Umipig said.

The relieved police officer said he did not know who gave the go-signal to the operation leading to Jemboy's death.  But he said he accepted the decision to remove him from his post.

“Ginagalang ko po yan… dapat ganyan ang mangyari upang malaman talaga kung sino ang may pagkakamali, may pagkakasala o pagkukulang.” Umipig added.

Umpig said he found out the operation was approved by a captain from the PNP Navotas Substation 4, who was included in the 22 officers who were removed from their post and will be facing charges for the incident.

Meanwhile, newly-appointed Navotas Police officer-in-charge Colonel Santos Sumingwa has ordered all Navotas Station 4 officers to undergo re-training.

A senate resolution has also been filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros to begin investigation in aid of legislation on Jemboy’s death.

“We welcome the move of the legislative, especially the aid of legislation. I believe in their wisdom also," PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News