6 Navotas policemen ordered arrested

(UPDATE) REGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) Branch 286 Presiding Judge Pedro Dabu Jr. on Tuesday ordered the arrest without bail of six Navotas City policemen for their alleged involvement in the killing of 17-year-old Jerhode «Jemboy» Baltazar in August.

The suspects were identified as EMS Roberto Balais Jr.; Staff Sergeants Antonio Bugayong Jr., Gerry Maliban and Nikko Pines Esquilon; Cpl. Edward Jade Blanco; and Pat. Benedict Mangada.

«After evaluating the Resolution of the City Prosecutor… the Court finds probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against all the above-named accused to place them under the custody of the law in order not to frustrate the ends of justice,» the order read.

The arrest warrant was issued a day after the six policemen were formally charged before the Navotas RTC.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the charges against the six were elevated from homicide to murder.

«This was discussed in the DoJ (Department of Justice). We had it evaluated so that the case that will be filed would be appropriate to the crime. We did not agree to the homicide charges that were initially proposed,» Remulla added.

In September, the six policemen, along with two officials of the Navotas City police, were also recommended for dismissal by the National Capital Region Police Office for grave irregularity in the performance of duty and for conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Captains Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito de la Cruz were found guilty of serious grave neglect of duty.

The two policemen took part in the August 2 operation in Barangay North Bay Boulevard, South Kaunlaran, wherein Baltazar, who was mistaken for murder suspect Reynaldo Bolivar, was killed.

A total of 22 Navotas police officers have been relieved over the killing of Baltazar.