IAS recommends dismissal of 8 cops in Jemboy’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police has recommended the dismissal from service of eight PNP personnel in connection with the killing of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar in Navotas last month.

In a resolution released yesterday, the IAS found Executive Master/Sgt. Roberto Balais Jr., Staff Sergeants Antonio Bugayong Jr., Gerry Maliban and Nikko Pines Esquillon, Cpl. Edmard Jake Blanco and Pat. Benedict Mangada liable for grave irregularity in the performance of duty and for conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

“These six police officers admitted that they opened fire at the victim,” IAS inspector general Alfegar Triambulo said.

Also found guilty were Captains Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito de la Cruz, whom the IAS said were liable for grave neglect of duty.

The IAS has submitted a copy of the resolution to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), which has the authority to approve its recommendation.

If their dismissal is approved, the police officers will lose all their benefits except for their leave credits.

Triambulo, in a text message to The STAR, said the police officers violated standard operating procedures when they fired at Baltazar, first while he was on a boat and second when he jumped into the water.

Based on the testimonies of witnesses, the policemen “intended to kill the teenager.”

“There was intent to kill kasi sabi ng witnesses there were successive bursts of gunfire,” Triambulo said.

Carpio and De la Cruz were liable as they were the team leaders and had direct supervision of their subordinates, the IAS official said.

Triambulo explained that even if the bullet that killed Baltazar was not traced to a particular police officer, all the suspects are still liable as there was conspiracy on their part.

The policemen mistook Baltazar for a shooting suspect they were pursuing in Barangay North Bay Boulevard South Kaunlaran on Aug. 2.