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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate panel lifts contempt order vs 3 Navotas cops in teen's killing

Senate panel lifts contempt order vs 3 Navotas cops in teen's killing

Published Aug 30, 2023 08:38 am

The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, on Wednesday, August 30,  lifted the contempt order against the three Navotas City police officers involved in the killing of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar. 

These are  Police Capt. Juanito Arabejo,  Staff Sgt. Gerry Maliban, and  Police Capt. Mark Joseph Carpio. They will be transferred to the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) National Headquarters. 

Maliban was cited in contempt along with Carpio on Aug. 22 after the senators found the two to be evasive when asked if it was true that Baltazar’s killing was a case of “mistaken identity.”

On the other hand, Arabejo was cited in contempt after the Senate panel found out that he skipped the paraffin tests for the six suspects involved in Baltazar's death.

The Senate panel chaired by Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa wrapped up the hearings on the killing of Baltazar, with the senator reminding PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia about issuing the police force with batons and whistles so they will not immediately resort to guns during operations. He said that they no longer have to wait for legislation on this. 

"Palkita niyo sa publiko na nagrereact kayo sa mga pangyayari (Show the public that you are reacting to what is happening)," Dela Rosa said.

He also reminded police of the importance of saving and preserving the lives of others even criminals. 

"Mabuti na yung makalayas yung kriminal, basta hindi lang nasayang ang isang buhay (It's better that a criminal gets away, than one life gets wasted)," he said.

In her closing statement, Sen. Risa Hontiveros stated that the public has seen how the police's testimonies and statements contradict one another and cannot be trusted when they were asked about the details of the operation. 

She added that it's also clear from the testimonies of Baltazar's relatives that there's intent from the side of the police to cover up what truly transpired during the incident that led to the death of Baltazar. 

"It's saddening that the Senate has to be the one to investigate a matter which in normal circumstances, should be investigated by the police, and more than that, law enforcers should not be the ones being investigated or involved in this tragedy," Hontiveros said.

Related Tags

Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa Senator Risa Hontiveros
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