Review Of Police Procedures Urged After Mistaken Identity Killing Of Minor In Navotas City

11-8-2023 (MANILA) Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Calls for Accountability and Reevaluation of Police Practices

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has called for a comprehensive review of the operating procedures followed by the country’s police force following a tragic incident in Navotas City where a minor was killed due to mistaken identity.

During a media briefing on Thursday, Abalos announced his intention to meet with the leaders of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to discuss the botched police operation that resulted in the shooting death of 17-year-old Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar.

“We will revisit all of their modes of procedure and the so-called command responsibility, including the level [of liability] so that it does not happen again,” Abalos stated.

Highlighting the need for accountability and prevention of such incidents, he added, “We will have a meeting with the Chief PNP (Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.) to discuss what actions need to be taken. All the modes of procedure will be reviewed.”

The PNP had previously admitted that the Navotas police officers made a grave error in judgment when they mistakenly identified Baltazar as a murder suspect and subsequently shot him on August 2.

In response to the tragedy, administrative and criminal charges have been filed against the six officers involved, who have also been relieved from their posts.

Col. Allan Umipig, the Navotas City police chief, acknowledged that “the act of firing the shot exhibited lapses in proper judgment.” rights group Karapatan strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing that it was even more distressing to learn that the police continued shooting Baltazar and his companion “when the victims were already in submission.”

Cristina Palabay, spokesperson for Karapatan, drew parallels between Jemboy’s case and the fatalities that occurred during the previous administration’s drug war, specifically mentioning Kian delos Santos and Carl Arnaiz.

“The killings are clearly not over. And these killings continue because it remains part of the police’s orientation and mindset to kill, kill, kill,” Palabay remarked.

Secretary Abalos took to Facebook to announce that he had initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. He affirmed his commitment to taking appropriate action, stating, “Those who should be removed, should be removed. Those who should face charges, should face charges.”