Senators Bato de la Rosa and Raffy Tulfo grill police officials involved in Jemboy killing as Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs continue their hearing on the Jemboy killing. PHOTO BY SENATE PRIB
Bato to cops in Jemboy death: tell the truth
SEN. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, during the resumption of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs’ hearing, appealed to the six police officers allegedly involved in the killing of Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar to tell the truth and not give the public more reason to doubt the integrity of the police force.
Dela Rosa also expressed hope that his panel would be able to provide clarity and contribute to the speedy resolution of the tragic incident.
“Now that we are on the third day of our hearing, I hope those involved in the incident will choose to tell the truth and accept whatever consequences their actions may bring,” stated Dela Rosa.
The former PNP chief turned senator said those who are behind the killing of Jemboy must be held answerable as he cited the fact that the said police officers who killed the victims made the assault when there was no order from the team leader to take down the boy.
Senator Raffy Tulfo lamented the spate of abuses committed by police officers during the resumption of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs’ public hearing Wednesday, August 30, 2023 on the killing of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar in Navotas City.
Tulfo, who delivered a privilege speech on the mistaken identity incident, said he received numerous complaints, mostly from indigents, about “abusive” members of the Philippine National Police.
“Let me remind you that you, our policemen, play one of the most important and sensitive roles in our society: To serve and protect. We are trusting you to protect us against the lawless, instead, you are the ones causing harm.” Tulfo, chiding the police officers who figured in Baltazar’s death, said in mixed English and Filipino.
“How can we trust you when in fact you are the ones assaulting us and violating our human rights?” Tulfo added.
Earlier, the senate detained the chief investigator Captain Juanito Arabejo in contempt after he insisted there was no order to subject the suspects to a paraffin test, contradicting the claims of other policemen.
