9-8-2023 (MANILA) Tragedy struck as an innocent life was lost due to a tragic breach of police protocol in pursuit of suspects. Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar, a 17-year-old, fell victim to a fatal gunshot fired by Navotas City police officers as he boarded a boat. The incident, confirmed by Navotas City Police Chief Police Colonel Allan Umipig in a phone interview with Rappler, has raised concerns over law enforcement procedures.
Umipig revealed that the incident unfolded during a police operation to apprehend suspects involved in a shooting incident in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran on August 2. While one suspect managed to evade capture, information emerged that the fugitive had boarded a boat, triggering the police response.
Overseas Filipino Worker, Rhoda Baltazar, grieves for her 17-year-old son, Jemboy, through a video call from Qatar during the wake at Barangay NBBS, Navotas City on Aug.7, 2023.
Police shot and killed Jemboy on August 2, 2023 thinking he was a murder suspect. pic.twitter.com/Lx0jX7KfeH
— Raffy Lerma (@raffylerma) August 8, 2023
Upon arriving at the scene, the officers encountered Baltazar and his friend on the boat. In a moment of panic, the 17-year-old leapt into the river and attempted to swim away, while his friend remained on the vessel. The officers responded by opening fire on Baltazar, aiming to “scare” him, according to Umipig.
Tragically, it later emerged that Baltazar was not the sought-after suspect. The gravely mistaken identity had led to a senseless loss of life.
The officers involved in the incident, totaling six in number, have been relieved of their duties and are currently under custody at the Navotas City Police Station. They are expected to be transferred to the district custodial facility of the Northern Police District (NPD), which holds jurisdiction over Navotas City.
In response to the tragedy, the police underwent inquest proceedings before the Navotas City prosecutor’s office. The grieving family filed a homicide complaint against the six officers, with Baltazar’s friend serving as a key witness in the case.
While Rappler sought to ascertain the names of the officers, Umipig cited their request for anonymity. Efforts are underway to uncover their identities through alternative means.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) operations manual outlines specific protocols aimed at minimizing harm and ensuring the safety of both law enforcement officers and the public. Rule 6.2 advocates for the use of megaphones and similar devices during police operations to issue verbal warnings, while Rule 6.3 strictly prohibits the discharge of warning shots. Rule 7.2 emphasizes the importance of issuing verbal warnings before resorting to the use of force.
In light of this tragedy, Alfegar Triambulo, Inspector General of the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS), has directed the district internal affairs service (DIAS) of the NPD to conduct an investigation into Baltazar’s untimely demise. This pre-charge investigation phase seeks to establish potential charges and hold accountable those responsible for the tragic incident.
