INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr yesterday said the recent killing of a 17-year-old boy in Navotas City, who was shot by policemen in what police said was a case of mistaken identity, was an isolated but infuriating case.
Abalos made the statement during a press briefing at the PNP national headquarters at Camp Crame as he vowed justice for the victim, Jehrode “Jemboy” Baltazar.
Last August 2, policemen responded to a shooting incident in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran, with police saying one of the two suspects was arrested while the other managed to escape.
Policemen later conducted a follow-up operation at a river where one of the suspects was reported sighted.
Baltazar was shot dead by a policeman after he dove into the water when the lawmen asked him and his companion to get off their boat.
It later turned out that Baltazar was not involved in the shooting incident. Six policemen were arrested and charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
The six are also facing administrative charges, along with 29 other policemen, including two commissioned officers, who were relieved from their posts over the bungled police operation.
“It’s an isolated case but it’s really infuriating,” said Abalos. “You’re going to be infuriated regardless of who you are.”
Abalos noted the PNP has around 228,000 personnel at present.
Some 2,302 policemen have been punished for various offenses since July 1 last year up to August 2 this year. Of the number, 583 were dismissed from the service while the rest were slapped with lighter punishments like demotion, suspension, forfeiture of salary, reprimand, restrictions, and withholding of privileges.
“It hurts to lose a loved one and I feel that. So, the important thing is No. 1, swift action,” said Abalos.
He said National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Jose NArtatez swiftly acted on the killing of Baltazar.
“Charges have been filed and we will make sure that we will act swiftly on this. That is our promise to the (Baltazar) family, give justice,” said Abalos.
Abalos and PNP officials earlier yesterday cited the principle of command responsibility in the aftermath of the Navotas incident and policemen’s recent looting at the residence of a drug suspect in Imus, Cavite that led to the filing of criminal and administrative against those involved.
“It is important that those entrusted with the authority to maintain law and order are held accountable for the actions of their subordinates,” said Abalos.
“Our commitment to a just and fair society requires that no misconduct, abuse, or negligence is tolerated,” said Abalos.
Abalos assured the public that the interior department is taking “proactive steps to strengthen our internal processes.”
“We are collaborating with other government offices and law enforcement agencies to ensure that our disciplinary measures are fair, transparent, and effective,” he said.
On the Navotas incident, Abalos said more police officers may be relieved from their posts for command responsibility.
