Another protocol defied: Navotas cops in teen slay skip paraffin test

Senators investigating the killing of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar in Navotas City express disgust upon learning that the police officers involved in the operation did not undergo paraffin test, which would have determined who among the operatives fired a gun. In this file photo taken on August 22, 2023, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros urges the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that justice will be served to the teenager’s family. Photo | OS Hontiveros photos / Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — All six suspects, as well as the entire police force deployed in the operation that killed 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar, did not undergo paraffin tests despite “clear instructions” from relieved Navotas Police Chief Police Colonel Allan Umipig.

During Tuesday’s committee’s hearing on public order and dangerous drugs, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa asked Police Captain Juanito Arabejo if it was the officer’s discretion not to subject all six suspects, along with all police deployed, to a paraffin test.

A Paraffin test is a forensic procedure to determine if an individual has just fired a gun.

“That was based on our sound judgment and in good faith, considering that the direct testimony of the eyewitnesses is sufficient to establish the guilt of these six suspects,” said Arabejo.

The answer irked Senator Raffy Tulfo, who was also present at the hearing, prompting the lawmaker to criticize Arabejo’s smug look. Tulfo added that Arabejo, with this mindset, does not deserve to be a police officer.

But the remark did not budge Arabejo.

“Ang alam ko ay tama ang ginagawa namin, sir,” Arabejo told Tulfo.

Before the grilling, Umipig said he ordered Arabejo to subject all officers involved to paraffin tests as part of the Philippine National Police’s standard procedure.

“Maraming nakarinig na officers na inutusan ko sila [Many of the officers heard me when I issued that instruction],” said Umipig.

This, however, was denied by Arabejo, who claimed that then Navotas police chief did not give such an order.

Arabejo’s claim, however, was refuted by Police Captain Anthony Mondejar and Police Major Edwin Fuertes, saying that Umipig did instruct Arabejo to make certain that the procedure was conducted.

Citing his inconsistencies and alleged lying during the hearing, Arabejo was cited in contempt and detained in the Senate.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, in the same hearing, likewise questioned how the policemen could be certain that all other officers present during the operation did not fire their guns when no paraffin tests were conducted.

Police Chief Master Sergeant Joselito Galvez said they only based their judgment on the testimonies presented by the eyewitnesses.

Ballistics examination

While no paraffin test was conducted, the authorities say that all six firearms of the policemen involved in Baltazar’s shooting underwent ballistics examination.

According to Police Brigadier General Rizalito Gapas, only four out of the six firearms used by the police officers yielded positive for gunpowder residue.

The four firearms that were confirmed to have been fired belong to the following officers:

• Police Corporal Edmark Jake Blanco
• Police Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Balais Jr.
• Patrolman Benedict Mangada
• Police Staff Sergeant Nikko Pines Esquilo

It can be noted, however, that the list did not include any firearm belonging to Police Sergeant Gerry Maliban. He was earlier identified as the first policeman to shoot Baltazar.

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JPV/abc