Human rights group files murder complaint vs cops in Navotas teen slay
MANILA, Philippines — A group of human rights lawyers on Tuesday filed a murder complaint against 19 Navotas police officers involved in the operation that led to the mistaken identity killing of Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar last August 2.
In a statement, human rights group Ideals said that the complaint was filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Navotas.
A complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide has already been filed against six of the officers, but various human rights and law groups, including Ideals, asserted that they should have been charged for murder instead.
“Kailangang panagutin ang mga kapulisang sangkot sa krimen at pang-aabusong ginawa sa isang inosenteng biktima. Let’s end the cycle of impunity,” said Ideals Human Rights Program Manager Atty. Ansheline Bacudio, who also served as the counsel for the victim’s family.
(Police officers involved in crime and abuse of an innocent victim must be held accountable. Let’s end the cycle of impunity.)
“We demand the truth and justice that the [Baltazar] family deserves,” she said.
Ideals also challenged the Philippine National Police to cooperate in providing key information regarding the incident to ensure that the errant police officers are made accountable.
