14-8-2023 (MANILA) The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson, Richard Palpal-latoc, has called for the entire Philippine National Police (PNP) to undergo retraining in the wake of the tragic killing of 17-year-old Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, August 14, Palpal-latoc emphasized that the retraining should not be limited to a specific police station but should encompass the entire police force. He also noted that there is already existing training on human rights provided to the police.
The statement from Palpal-latoc came in response to a question about the PNP’s handling of Baltazar’s killing. On August 2, six police officers from the Navotas City police opened fire on Baltazar and his friend as they were boarding their boat in the river in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran. The police claimed that they were searching for a shooting suspect in the area and mistakenly identified Baltazar as the assailant. However, Baltazar’s family has disputed this, alleging that the police indiscriminately fired at the teenager after a warning shot was fired into the river.
The six officers involved in the incident, identified as Police Executive Master Sergeant Roberto Balais Jr., Police Staff Sergeant (PSSg) Antonio Bugayong, PSSg Gerry Maliban, PSSg Nikko Pines Esquillon, Police Corporal Edmark Jake Blanco, and Patrolman Benedict Mangada, now face a reckless imprudence resulting in homicide complaint. Additionally, 29 other officers have been relieved from their posts to undergo refresher courses following Baltazar’s death.
Palpal-latoc also highlighted the importance of the police following their own operating procedures to prevent human rights violations. He suggested that training should focus on teaching officers how to fulfill their duties in accordance with the police operational procedures and guidelines. By adopting a human rights-based approach embedded in their procedures, violations can be avoided.
When asked about the possibility of reviewing the police’s existing operating manual, Palpal-latoc expressed the CHR’s willingness to participate if invited by the PNP.
Colonel Allan Umipig, the Navotas City police chief, acknowledged that the officers had misjudged the situation and fired at the teenager without proper warning. According to Rule 6.2 of the PNP operations manual, the use of megaphones and similar instruments to warn or influence suspects to surrender peacefully is encouraged during police operations. However, Rule 6.3 explicitly prohibits the use of warning shots.
The recurring incidents involving the police have raised concerns about systemic issues within the national police force. Palpal-latoc acknowledged that such incidents have occurred in the past and continue to happen. While he stopped short of categorizing it as a systemic problem, he emphasized that it is a clear indication of a problem within the organization.
The CHR is currently conducting its own investigation into Baltazar’s killing and has reached out to the victim’s family. Palpal-latoc stated that the investigators have a deadline of 100 days to submit their final investigation report.
