FILE PHOTO: Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar. Contributed photo from Jessa Tolentino Baltazar
MANILA, Philippines — The death of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar was among the controversial cases of teenagers killed by police officers.
Baltazar was shot by six Navotas policemen in a case of mistaken identity along a river near Babanse St. Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran last August 2.
So far, here’s what INQUIRER.net knows about the police officers involved in Baltazar’s death and the status of cases filed against them.
August 10
After reports of Baltazar’s death circulated online, then Philippine National Police (PNP) public information office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan revealed that the six police officers admitted to killing Baltazar after they mistook him for a murder suspect.
August 11
Criminal complaints of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide were filed against the six police officers, along with administrative cases for grave irregularities in the performance of duty.
Among these police officers are Police Executive Master Sergeant Roberto Dioso Balais Jr. (SWAT); Staff Sergeant Antonio Balcita Bugayong (Intelligence Service or IS); Staff Sergeant Gerry Sabate Maliban (IS); Staff Sergeant Nikko Pines Corollo Esquillon (SWAT); Corporal Edmark Jake Sorbito Blanco (Sub-Station 4 or SS4), and Patrolman Benedict Danao Mangada (SS4).
August 12
Then Navotas police chief Col. Allan Umipig clarified that aside from six police officers, their team leaders likewise linked to the death of Baltazar were facing administrative charges.
The two were identified as Police Captains Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito Dela Cruz.
August 15
In a memorandum dated August 15, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) approved the PNP Internal Affairs Service’s (IAS) recommendation to relieve Umipig from his post. NCRPO likewise lodged administrative charges against him and 11 other police officers.
NCRPO’s move came after IAS revealed that Umipig instructed the team leader of the operatives to exclude the 11 others involved in the fatal shooting of Baltazar from their reports.
These police officers were Executive Master Sgt. Jose Elizalde Orlendo; Staff Sergeants Jonvir Tagacay, Rolan Orbita, Jorge Boco Jr., Melvin Napay, Kenneth Amangan, Jess Rondell Sauza, Mervin Villanueva and Ever Layco; and Corporals Aldrin Pascual and Mark Joseph Quillian.
As of this date, a total of 23 police officers were relieved from their posts, including the eight police officers earlier mentioned, Umipig and 11 others, as well as Police Captain Juanito Arabejo, officer-in-charge of the Station Investigation and Detection Management Section (SIDMS) of the Navotas City Police and Chief Master Sgt. Aurelito Galvez, chief clerk of the SIDMS.
Another police officer, Captain Luis Rufo, was relieved from his post but did not face any administrative charges.
September 7, 13
Last September 7, the IAS recommended the dismissal from service of eight police officers mentioned above. This recommendation was submitted to the NCRPO chief, Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. who approved and signed the dismissal order almost a week later on September 13.
September 29
PNP confirmed that NCRPO had received the recommendation of IAS to suspend over 20 police officers.
The IAS had recommended suspending Carpio, Dela Cruz, Balais, Maliban, Bugayong, Esquillon, Blanco, and Mangada for 59 days. It likewise suggested the dismissal of Carpio for dishonesty or forging the official report of the shooting incident involving Baltazar.
The same length of suspension was likewise recommended for 11 others, and a 30-day suspension against Arabejo and Galvez for simple neglect of duty or for not conducting a paraffin test on policemen present during the police operation.
The NCRPO is reviewing these recommendations, and according to PNP spokesperson and public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo, the force will release its decision before October ends.
October 3
The Navotas Regional Trial Court Branch 286 had issued an arrest warrant against the six policemen (Balais, Bugayong, Maliban, Esquillon, Blanco, and Mangda) under the order signed by Presiding Judge Pedro T. Dabu.
The arrest warrant dated October 3 did not recommend bail for the six police officers, who were accused of murder – violating Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
October 4
A day after issuing an arrest warrant against them, the six “voluntarily surrendered” to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s provincial field unit in Lucena City, Quezon province, around 5 p.m.