Sonny Boy Augustilo, witness to Jemboy Baltazar’s killing, testifies at a Senate hearing on Wednesday. (Screengrab from Senate of the Phippines YouTube)
MANILA, Philippines – A teenager who witnessed Jemboy Baltazar’s killing revealed that he was assaulted and threatened by two Navotas police officers.
During a hearing of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs on Wednesday, Sonny Boy Augustilo – Baltazar’s friend and companion at the time of the teen’s killing – said a Navotas cop punched him three times when he was brought to the police station.
This attack was allegedly prior to taking his statement.
The killing of 17-year-old Baltazar transpired on August 2 after Navotas policemen shot him dead as they mistook him for a murder suspect.
“Sinuntok ako sa tagiliran. Tatlong beses [lang] pero malakas,” Augustilo recalled.
(I was punched on the side. Three times only, but forcefully.)
Asked if he knows who the police officer was, the teenager said he was not able to get the name, but he will be able to recognize the cop if he sees the officer’s face.
Senator Risa Hontiveros asked Augustilo to describe the assailant.
“Nakita ko po ang mukha pero hindi ko po alam ang pangalan. Naka-sibilyan po siya non eh. Naka tokong, tapos naka jacket,” Augustilo responded.
(I saw the face but I don’t know the name. He was in civilian clothes. He was wearing shorts and a jacket.)
Augustilo further described the unidentified cop as a small man with a mustache.
He added that team leader, Police Captain Mark Joseph Carpio, knows the cop.
Carpio refuted Augustilo’s statement, saying they do not have a police officer that fits the description.
Augustilo also disclosed that aside from being punched multiple times, another police officer threatened him.
He pointed to Police Staff Sergeant Gerry Maliban as the one who did this to him.
Maliban was the law enforcer earlier identified as the first cop who fired at Baltazar.
“[Si] Maliban. [Sabi nya] kapag hindi ako umamin, hindi na raw po ako aabutan ng magulang ko,” Augustilo testified.
(Maliban. He said if I did not confess, my parents won’t find me alive anymore.)
“Pinapaamin po [niya ako] kung kakilala ko po ‘yung mga nanghoholdap [sa lugar namin],” said Augustilo.
(He was forcing me to confess if I knew the person who was robbing people in our area.)
Maliban did not deny nor confirm Augustilo’s account.
Later in the hearing, the teen witness’ counsel requested if Augustilo, who attended the hearing virtually, may exit early.
The counsel said the request was meant to “ensure the teen’s safety.”
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