NCRPO chief approves the dismissal of 8 Navotas cops over teen’s slay

PNP NCRPO Director Brigadier General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office 4A/Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police National Capital Region Police Office (PNP NCRPO) has approved the dismissal of eight Navotas policemen over the death of a 17-year-old boy in a case of mistaken identity.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Eunice Salas confirmed to reporters on Friday that NCRPO chief Jose Melencio Nartatez signed on September 13 the dismissal order of police officers Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito Dela Cruz for grave neglect of duty.

Salas went on to say that Nartatez also affirmed the sacking of law enforcers Roberto Balais Jr., Antonio Bugayong Jr., Gerry Maliban, Niko Pines Esquilon, Edmard Jake Blanco and Pat Benedict Mangada for grave irregularity in the performance of duty and conduct unbecoming of police officers.

“This Disciplinary Authority, after careful review of the report of investigation, agrees with the findings of the SHO (summary hearing officer) that there is SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE to hold the respondents administratively liable for the offense charge,” stated the dismissal order signed by Nartatez.

The NCRPO head heeded the earlier recommendation of Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service on the cops’ termination.

On August 2, the policemen saw Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar and a friend on a boat preparing to go fishing when they suddenly fired at both of them.

The teenager’s friend, who survived unharmed, said they tried to surrender but the officers kept on shooting, prompting Baltazar to jump into the river.

Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs conducted its probe into the death of the teenager.

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