8 cops in Jemboy Baltazar killing case appeals dismissal from service
Rodaliza Baltazar, the OFW mother of slain teenager Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar, bids her last farewell to her son during a funeral mass at the San Lorenzo Parish in Navotas City on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — Eight former police officers who were dismissed from service in connection with the killing of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar appealed their discharge in November last year, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The PNP spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, revealed this after reporters asked if the acquittal of Staff Sgt. Antonio Balcita Bugayong — one of the eight policemen — could mean he could return from police service.
“All eight are under appeal. They filed an appeal as early as November after they were dismissed last September. I was informed that they submitted their appeal before the Regional Appellate Board (RAB) of the National Police Commission,” Fajardo said in Filipino in a press briefing on Friday.
“Bugayong was acquitted, but it does not automatically mean that RAB’s decision will side in his favor. There is a process if one will be reinstated,” she added.
Aside from the six, their team leaders — Captains Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito Dela Cruz — were also dismissed from service because of their command responsibility.
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Fajardo said the PNP welcomed the decision of the Navotas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 286 on the six police officers directly involved in Baltazar’s death.
Apart from Bugayong’s acquittal, previous reports said that the Natotas RTC found Staff Sgt. Gerry Sabate Maliban (IS) guilty of homicide and imposed a penalty of up to six years and four months of imprisonment with P100,000 in civil liability and moral damages.
The other four officers were found guilty of illegal discharge of firearms and were given a penalty of four months and one day of imprisonment, namely:
- Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Dioso Balais Jr.
- Staff Sgt. Nikko Pines Corollo Esquillon (SWAT)
- Cpl. Edmark Jake Sorbito Blanco (Sub-station 4)
- Pat. Benedict Danao Mangada (Sub-station 4)
On August 2, Baltazar was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity along a river near Babanse St. Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran.
