Senate holds in contempt another cop linked to Navotas teen’s slay

JUSTICE FOR JEMBOY Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros urges Philippine National Police to investigate the death of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar in Navotas city, in a case of mistaken identity. (File photo dated August 22, 2023 from OS Hontiveros /Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Another police officer allegedly involved in the killing of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar was held in contempt and ordered detained in the Senate for allegedly lying and evading lawmakers’ questions.

“On behalf of Senator Raffy Tulfo and the guidance of the chairperson, I move to cite [for] contempt Police Captain Juanito Arabejo,” said Senator Risa Hontiveros during the committee’s hearing on public order and dangerous drugs on Tuesday.

Hontiveros’ motion follows Arabejo’s claim that Navotas Police Chief Allan Umipig did not give direct instructions for the suspects to undergo paraffin tests.

He also maintained law enforcers who participated in the operation were not told to undergo the same procedure.

Arabejo’s claim was disputed by his fellow cops, Police Captain Anthony Mondejar and Police Major Edwin Fuertes.

The two policemen testified that Umipig had clearly ordered Arabejo to undergo a paraffin test as a standard operating procedure.

They added the same command to all team members who were part of the operation.

Senator Bato dela Rosa, who heads the committee, approved Hontiveros’ motion.

GRIEVING MOM Rodaliza Baltazar, mother of Jemboy, weeps during his wake at the family residence in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran, Navotas City, as her husband Jessie looks on. (File photo from LYN RILLON)

On August 22, the Senate also held Navotas City police officers Captain Mark Joseph Carpio and Staff Sergeant Gerry Maliban in contempt.

Lawmakers found their stories confusing.

Carpio and Maliban also did not participate in the chamber’s inquiry into the fatal shooting of Baltazar.

The death of the teenager points to a case of mistaken identity.

Police who fired at the victim thought he was a fleeing murder suspect.

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