9-8-2023 (MANILA) The recent tragic incident involving the killing of a minor by Navotas police has ignited condemnation from human rights advocates, who assert that this event falls in line with a disturbing pattern of indiscriminate shootings perpetrated by law enforcement.
The Navotas police’s assertion that 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar’s death was due to a “mistaken identity” has been met with skepticism and branded a “flimsy excuse” by the rights group Karapatan. The organization underscores the imperative for all police personnel to exercise utmost diligence in apprehending suspects.
A representative from Karapatan categorically labelled the Navotas police’s actions as “cold-blooded murder.” The organization contends that every police operation should be underpinned by meticulous scrutiny. The incident is further compounded by reports that the shooting persisted even after the victims had surrendered.
Karapatan spokesperson Michelle Agcaoili issued a statement emphasising, “They should, in fact, exercise due diligence in every police operation. It is far worse to hear that they continued shooting when the victims were already in submission.”
Drawing parallels to previous cases such as Kian delos Santos and Carl Arnaiz, both victims of the drug war instigated by the Duterte administration, Karapatan underscores the pervasive nature of these incidents. The group attributes these ongoing occurrences to a perceived disregard for human life and rights within the ranks of the police force.
“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,” Agcaoili asserted.
In a similar vein, Representative Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party has joined the chorus of condemnation, shedding light on the “culture of impunity” that still persists within the nation’s law enforcement agencies.
Reports indicate that Navotas police officers fatally shot Baltazar in error on August 2. The officers opened fire when Baltazar leapt into the water, mistakenly believing he was the intended suspect. Tragically, their intended target was concealed in a nearby boat with Baltazar.
Six police officers have been apprehended and face charges in connection with the incident. Among them is the officer who discharged his weapon into the water, mistakenly believing he was firing warning shots. Navotas City police chief Col. Allan Umipig acknowledges the flawed judgment demonstrated during the operation.
The unfortunate demise of Baltazar underscores the urgency to address impunity and prioritise the safeguarding of all citizens, particularly the youth. Representative Brosas articulated, “We will submit a House resolution to investigate the brutal actions of the Philippine National Police against the very citizens they are tasked to serve and protect.”
