More cops in Jemboy’s slay face suspension – IAS

MANILA, Philippines — The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police has recommended the suspension without pay of several Navotas police officers due to administrative lapses in connection with the killing of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar last month.

IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said yesterday they submitted a copy of the resolution to National Capital Region Police Office director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

In its resolution, the IAS recommended the suspension for 59 days of Captains Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito de la Cruz; Executive M/Sgt. Roberto Balais Jr.; Staff Sergeants Gerry Maliban, Antonio Bugayong Jr. and Nikko Pines Esquillon, Cpl. Edmard Jake Blanco and Pat. Benedict Mangada for less grave neglect of duty for failure to secure and preserve the crime scene.

The IAS also recommended their dismissal from the police service for grave misconduct after they abandoned Baltazar at the scene.

Carpio was also recommended to be dismissed for dishonesty after he allegedly forged the official report on Baltazar’s shooting.

Also recommended for suspension for 59 days were Executive M/Sgt. Jose Elizalde Orlendo; Staff Sergeants Jonvir Tagacay, Rolan Orbita, Jorge Boco Jr., Melvin Napay, Kenneth Amangan, Jess Rondell Sauza, Mervin Villanueva and Ever Layco, as well as Corporals Aldrin Pascual and Mark Joseph Quillian.

Tagacay was also recommended another 59-day suspension for less grave neglect of duty, for failure to wear a body camera during the operation.

Cpt. Juanito Arabejo Jr., who heads the Navotas police investigation section, and his subordinate, Chief M/Sgt. Aurelito Galvez, were found liable for simple neglect of duty for failing to subject the police officers directly involved in the operation to a paraffin test.

The IAS recommended their suspension for 30 days.

As for the administrative cases filed against former Navotas police chief Col. Allan Umipig, Triambulo said they are waiting for clearance from the President’s office on whether to proceed with the summary proceedings.

Triambulo explained that a presidential clearance is needed as Umipig, being a third level officer, was appointed by Marcos.

Baltazar was killed by police who mistook him for a shooting suspect in Navotas on Aug. 2.