16-8-2023 (MANILA) The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has taken a significant step towards justice, ordering the filing of charges against Navotas police chief Col. Allan Umipig and 11 other police officers implicated in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jerhode Baltazar on August 2. In light of this development, the IAS has recommended to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. the removal of Umipig from his role as commander of the Navotas police.
This decision comes after an investigation revealed that Umipig had directed the team leader of the involved operatives to omit the names of 11 police officers from their reports, concealing their involvement in the shooting incident that led to Baltazar’s tragic death. Despite the Navotas police previously filing charges against six policemen for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, the concealed identities prompted further action.
Based on the investigation’s findings, the IAS has directed the filing of charges of dishonesty and command responsibility against Umipig. Additionally, the 11 police officers whose identities were concealed will face charges for abandoning the victim and violating police operational procedures.
The six police officers currently facing criminal charges are also under administrative investigation for grave misconduct, with one officer found to have worn a body camera that failed to record the incident due to battery depletion. The use of body cameras is mandated in law enforcement operations to ensure transparency.
Regarding the ongoing investigation, PNP public information officer Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan indicated that more police officers might be relieved from their posts as the inquiry continues. The decision on whether to elevate charges from homicide to murder will ultimately rest with the prosecutor’s assessment.
Forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun highlighted a significant detail, revealing that Baltazar could have survived had he not fallen into the water after being shot. Fortun conducted a re-autopsy on August 5, determining the cause of death as “craniocerebral injuries due to proliferating gunshot to the head, with asphyxia from drowning as a contributory cause.” She emphasized that the fatal gunshot wound did not lead to immediate death, pointing to additional injuries on the victim’s hand.
Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan raised concerns over the alleged intimidation of Fortun by Navotas policemen who visited her home. The group emphasized that only the victim’s family has the authority to disclose autopsy findings, asserting that police officers should be well-versed in this procedure.
