Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 15) — One of the policemen in the fatal shooting of a teenager in Navotas City faced a dismissal order in 2020 for grave misconduct and serious irregularity.
However, National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson Alberto Bernardo said Staff Sgt. Gerry Maliban remained in service pending an appeal.
Napolcom admitted it missed Maliban’s dismissal papers released in February 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It added Maliban filed the appeal in November of the same year.
\”Yes, pinahanap ko yung record (Yes, I asked for his records), \” Bernardo said in a press conference on Tuesday. \”I think it’s way back 2020. I think that the motion for reconsideration was filed on time. So since it is filed on time, it is still pending hearing right now.\”
Napolcom said it will look into Maliban’s papers.
Maliban is one of six police officers facing homicide complaints for the fatal shooting 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar over a mistaken identity.
The others are Executive Master Sergeant Roberto Dioso Balais Jr., Staff Sgt. Antonio Balcita Bugayong, Staff Sgt. Nikko Pines Corollo Esquillon, Corporal Edmark Jake Sorbito Blanco, and Patrolman Benedict Danao Mangada.
