Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 11) – The Northern Police District (NPD) said that all personnel of the Navotas City Police Station Sub-Station 4 – except for those with vital administrative functions – have been relieved over the shooting of a 17-year-old boy, who was killed in an apparent case of mistaken identity.
“The said personnel will undergo a comprehensive re-training and refresher course. This initiative is designed to bolster their understanding and application of rules of engagement while fostering a heightened awareness of human rights and principles,” the NPD said Friday.
In a fatal error, Navotas police gunned down 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar on Aug. 2 because they thought the teenager was the suspect they were hunting down.
Baltazar and another individual were hiding from the police in a boat. The teenager then jumped into the water.
The six police officers at the scene then claimed to have fired warning shots at the water, not knowing that Baltazar was in the water. His bereaved siblings said the bullet went through his head, then to his nose.
The six cops responsible were earlier relieved, slapped with homicide complaints, and detained. They are currently undergoing inquest before the Navotas prosecutor’s office.
READ: 6 Navotas cops relieved from post, face homicide complaints for fatal shooting of minor
The NPD said the mass relief was recommended by Navotas Police Chief PCol. Allan Umipig and that it “aims to address any lingering feelings of insecurity within the community, assuring them that the police force is dedicated to their protection and well being.”
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos – who attended the slain teen’s wake – called on the Philippine National Police to revisit its operational procedures to avoid similar incidents.
Overseas Filipino worker Rodaliza Baltazar, Jemboy’s mother, was repatriated on Friday to attend her dead son’s wake.
WATCH: Baltazar turns emotional after seeing her son, Jemboy, in his wake in Navotas City. The 17-year-old boy was killed by policemen in a case of mistaken identity last Aug. 2. | @EJgomezzzz pic.twitter.com/IVtx2CJlE5
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) August 11, 2023
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said he will file a resolution seeking a House inquiry on the killing of Baltazar.
“‘Pag sinabi ba nating PNP [Philippine National Police], ang meaning na ba n’un ngayon ‘Pumapatay ng Pilipino?’ Hindi po natin ‘yun dapat hayaan na maging kultura na lang ‘yun ng pulis,” Manuel told reporters at the teen’s wake.
[Translation: When you say PNP, does this mean ‘Pumapatay ng Pilipino’ (killing Filipinos)? We should not tolerate this kind of culture in our police.]
With reports from CNN Philippines’ correspondent Daniza Fernandez.
