Eight police officers in Navotas have been dismissed from service in connection with the mistaken identity death of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez issued a 10-page resolution on September 13, citing “substantial evidence” against Captains Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito dela Cruz; Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Balais Jr.; Staff Sergeants Antonio Bugayong Jr., Gerry Maliban, and Nikko Pines Esquillon; Cpl. Edmard Jake Blanco and Pat. Benedict Mangada for their administrative liability in Baltazar’s killing.
Nartatez pointed out that the inconsistencies in the affidavits submitted by the officers during summary hearing proceedings and the one executed on the day of the incident were clear attempts to evade responsibility and accountability for their actions. Captains Carpio and dela Cruz were dismissed for serious grave neglect of duty as they did not personally supervise their team during the operation.
NCRPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Eunice Salas stated that the eight officers have 10 days to file a motion for reconsideration. If they choose not to appeal, the regional director will sign a certificate of finality, leading to their dismissal from the service. This would result in the forfeiture of their benefits, revocation of eligibility, and a perpetual disqualification from holding any other government posts. Additionally, charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide have been filed against the six cops.
Furthermore, Brig. Gen. Nartatez also approved the dismissal of five members of the Manila Police District (MPD) who were accused of extorting PHP40,000 from a computer shop owner in Sampaloc, Manila, in July.
Staff Sergeants Ryan Tagle Paculan and Jan Erwin Santiago Isaac, Cpl. Jonmark Gonzales Dabucol; and Patrolmen Jeremiah Sesma Pascual and Jhon Lester Reyes Pagar, all assigned to the MPD District Police Intelligence Operations Unit (DPIOU), reportedly posed as police officers conducting an operation against online gambling when they extorted money from the computer shop owner.
