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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hontiveros files reso seeking Senate probe into Jemboy's death

Hontiveros files reso seeking Senate probe into Jemboy's death

Published Aug 16, 2023 11:25 am

Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution calling on the Senate to investigate the murder of 17-year old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar and urged the Upper Chamber to look into the unabated use of excessive and lethal force by the Philippine National Police (PNP) during anti-crime operations. 

 

Risa Hontiveros.jpg

Sen. Risa Hontiveros (Senate PRIB Photo)

 

Incidentally, Hontiveros filed the resolution as the nation remembers the death, five years ago of 17-year old student Kian delos Santos, who was shot and murdered with impunity by three police officers at the height of then president Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal campaign against illegal drugs.

 

A dismissal order was already issued against the police officers involved in the case; Hontiveros noted that their body-worn cameras were turned off so no evidence of the attack is readily available. 

 

Hontiveros, in filing the resolution, also raised the need to probe why Navotas City Police Chief Col. Allan Umipig ordered the removal of 11 police officers’ names in the police report on Baltazar’s killing.

 

“The police officers involved are currently facing criminal charges only for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, while the Navotas City Police Chief is facing only administrative charges for dishonesty,” she pointed out.

 

“These circumstances cast serious doubt on the transparency of the PNP and its capacity to exact accountability and seek justice against its own members,” the senator added. 

 

In a separate statement, Hontiveros welcomed the decision of the PNP-IAS (Internal Affairs Service) to file administrative charges against and relieve Umipig. 

 

“However, while this is a first step towards accountability, relief from position is not justice. It is appalling that at least 11 police officers did an overkill shooting of one 17-year old boy. Is it standard procedure for police officers to shoot on sight and not even attempt arrest?” Hontiveros asked.

 

“I urge the Ombudsman and Department of Justice (DOJ) to further investigate the Navotas police chief and police officers for obstruction of justice after it was discovered they had altered the report on Baltazar’s death to remove the names of the 11 officers,” she said.

 

“Beyond this specific case, the Senate should consider investigating if similar tactics have been used in other police operations. In addition to the Supreme Court's rules requiring police body cams, we will also explore the possibility of legislation which will penalize police officers who fail to turn on their body cams during operations,” she further said.

 

“Today, on the death anniversary of Kian delos Santos, we are reminded of the urgent action we need to take on for the many young lives we've lost to trigger-happy and cruel cops,” the lawmaker added.

 

 

Related Tags

Senate probe Jemboy Baltazar Navotas PNP mistaken identity Risa Hontiveros
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