PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. condoles with the family of the 17-year-old male shot and killed by a group of local policemen tracking down a killer in Navotas City last August 2.
Acorda vows justice for slain teener
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., on Thursday visited the wake of the teenager mistaken for a crime suspect and shot to death by a group of policemen in Navotas City last August 2, as he vowed justice for the victim and his family.
In a poignant display of solidarity and commitment to justice and accountability and to ensure that such incidents would not recur in the future, the top cop motored to the wake of the victim who lost his life during a police operation in Barangay North Bay Boulevard in South Kaunlaran, Navotas City.
The victim was shot while fleeing a police operation to capture a suspect involved in a shooting incident in the area.
During his visit, Acorda condoled with the victim’s family and pledged the PNP’s unwavering support to them.
“The PNP condoles with the victim’s family. We recognize the pain they are enduring and are committed to providing necessary assistance. We vow to ensure that justice will be served the soonest time,” he said.
A case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide has been filed against six Navotas policemen involved in the killing of 17-year-old Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar before a local prosecutor’s office.
The accused admitted they mistook the teenager for a murder suspect but did not intend to kill him at the time. All six had been disarmed and placed under restrictive custody at the Northern Police District (NPD) headquarters in Caloocan City on orders of NPD director Brigadier Gen. Rizalito G. Gapas.
Moreover, an administrative case for grave neglect of duty in relation to command responsibility has been filed against two police commissioned officers of the Navotas City Police Station to emphasize the PNP’s commitment to address accountability at all levels, he said.
Addressing the broader context of recent incidents, the PNP chief underscored the organization’s dedication to professionalism and accountability.
“The PNP maintains its commitment to upholding the utmost standards of professionalism and accountability within its ranks. These incidents are being treated with the utmost seriousness and comprehensive investigations are already underway to ensure that justice is not only served but also that the individuals responsible are held fully accountable,” he said.
Acorda maintained that transparency remains a cornerstone of the PNP’s response to these issues. “We acknowledge the public’s valid concerns and reaffirm our dedication to sharing the findings of these investigations in a fitting and informative manner,” he said.
Acorda added that the PNP is taking proactive steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The organization, he explained, is undertaking a comprehensive review of training protocols and procedures to enhance law enforcement operations effectiveness, while minimizing the risk of errors or misconduct.
The public’s continued cooperation and support are acknowledged by the PNP as they address these pressing issues, he added.
“Rest assured, the PNP remains determined in its dedication to serve and safeguard the welfare of the Filipino populace,” Acorda assured.
Gapas told the Journal Group that he wants all members of the Navotas City Police Station to undergo a refresher course on police operational procedures and human rights in the wake of the deadly shooting incident.
PNP Public Information Office chief, Brig. Gen. Redrico A. Maranan, also assured the country that the PNP “does not and will not tolerate wrongdoings of our police officers, whether these are intentional or accidental.”
“The PNP is sad and worried over these incidents involving our police officers. Nevertheless, the PNP leadership is continuously doing its best to correct the errors and inadequacies of our personnel on the ground,” he said.
“Our disciplinary machinery is effective. Our records will prove that police officers who are found to have committed errors or abuses are penalized,” added Maranan.
The killing of the teenager took place shortly after the accused policemen launched a follow-up operation to arrest a gunman, who shot to death one Cristelo Mahinay in Bgy. NBSS Kaunlaran around 2:45 a.m. on August 2.
A suspect had been arrested but another escaped and was reported to be hiding in a boat. Upon arriving at the scene, the policemen saw Baltazar and a friend on a boat preparing to go fishing and reportedly fired at them, prompting the teenager to jump into the river before being hit in the face.
