Court orders arrest of 6 cops in Navotas teen’s slay

Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar—Jessa Tolentino Baltazar/CONTRIBUTOR

The Navotas Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Tuesday ordered the arrest of six policemen accused of involvement in the killing of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar on Aug. 2.

Presiding Judge Pedro Dabu Jr. of Navotas RTC Branch 286 issued the arrest warrants against Police Staff Sergeants Gerry Maliban and Antonio Bugayon, Jr., Police Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Balais, Jr., Police Staff Sgt. Nikko Esquilon, Police Cpl. Edward Jade Blanco and Patrolman Pat Benedict Mangada.

No bail was recommended. Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide were also brought against the police officers, prompting the issuance of the warrants.

Additionally, a murder complaint was filed against these six men, as well as 13 other cops who took part in the operation.

The National Capital Region Police Office has also dismissed the six cops, including Police Captains Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito Dela Cruz, for neglect of duty. —ABBY BOISER