Lawmaker renews push for cops’ use of body cams after Navotas teen’s slay

Las Piñas Lone District Representative Camille Villar (File photo from her Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has renewed her push to pass a law requiring body-worn cameras for law enforcers.

The call comes after a recent tragedy in Navotas City where a boy was killed after policemen mistook him for a murder suspect.

In a statement on Tuesday, Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Lone District Rep.  Camille Villar said wearable cameras could have provided solid evidence to determine whether or not the police officers are liable for the teenager’s death.

“The case of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar, who was shot and killed by police in what they considered a mistaken identity, is a ‘huge setback’ in delivering greater transparency in police operations,” Villar said.

“An efficient and functional policy regarding [the] use of body cams and dashcams should already be in place as these could provide crucial evidence at crime scenes or during operations,” she added.

The cops who had allegedly fired at the boy were on a follow-up operation at Navotas’ Barangay North Bay Boulevard South (NBBS) last August 2.

According to reports, operatives had received a tip that a murder suspect was sighted at a river near Balanse Street.

They went to the area where Baltazar and his companion were supposed to go fishing that night.

The police officers involved apparently admitted their mistake.

Last May 24, Villar filed House Bill Number 8352, which sought to institutionalize body-worn cameras and set regulations on how to use these devices.

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