The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, Oct. 2, filed in court a non-bailable murder charge against six policemen in the Aug. 2 killing of teenager Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar in Navotas City.
Charged before the Navotas City regional trial court (RTC) were PSSg. Gerry S. Maliban, PSSg. Antonio B. Bugayong Jr., PEMS. Roberto D. Balais Jr., PSSg. Nikko PInes C. Esquillon, PCpl. Edmar Jade S. Blanco, and Pat. Benedict D. Mangada – all members of the city’s police force.
“Pinag-usapan po ‘yan dito sa DOJ at pina-evaluate po natin upang maging tama ‘yung pagpafile nung kaso (We have talked about the case at the DOJ and had it evaluated so that we will be able to file the right case),” said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla during a briefing.
Published reports stated that Baltazar was fishing when he was shot dead last Aug. 2 in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran in Navotas City.
The policemen claimed they were conducting follow-up operations against robbers when they mistook the victim as one of the suspects.