PNP-IAS recommends dismissal of 8 Navotas cops over Jemboy Baltazar's death

The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) has recommended the dismissal from service of eight Navotas City police allegedly involved in the killing of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar.

PNP-IAS chief Alfegar Triambulo said six of the eight cops were those who shot Baltazar and are currently facing charges for serious irregularity in the performance of duty.

The remaining two, meanwhile, were their team leaders slapped with serious or grave neglect, according to a report on “Balita Ko” on Friday.

Triambulo also said the PNP-IAS may issue a resolution for the administrative cases filed against other Navotas City police officers by next week.

Baltazar, 17, died on August 2 while on his way to go fishing after he was shot and killed by Navotas City cops pursuing a shooting suspect in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran.

A friend 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.

The suspects were identified as Police Executive Master Sergeant Roberto Balais, Police Staff Sergeant Gerry Maliban, Police Staff Sergeant Antonio Bugayong, Police Staff Sergeant Nikko Esquilon, Police Corporal Eduard Blanco, and Patrolman Benedict Mangada.

Navotas City Police chief Police Colonel Allan Umipig was relieved from his post earlier as a result of the case. Meanwhile, the involved cops have undergone inquest proceedings over complaints of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. They, however, did not attend the preliminary investigation of the case held on August 15.

Instead of personally appearing before the Prosecutor’s Office, the six had their legal representative appear for them. The said police officers are also facing administrative charges for grave misconduct and serious irregularity in the performance of duty. All have also been relieved from their posts.

The Senate is likewise conducting a legislative inquiry on the incident.

Baltazar was laid to rest in Caloocan City on August 16.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News