By Liezelle Soriano

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has commended the Department of Justice for its thorough investigation of the death of teen Jemboy Baltazar in Navotas City.

CHR said that the swift development of the case is an important step towards “ensuring justice and accountability, especially as it involves law enforcement agents.”

We commend the efforts of the DOJ [Department of Justice] in conducting a comprehensive review of the case, which has led to the decision to file murder charges against the six police officers allegedly involved in the death of Jemboy,” it added.

The Commission stressed that positions of authority are not “above the law.”

“Those who committed alleged violations must be held responsible considering that they made an oath to serve in accordance with the rules and standards required of police officers.”

Earlier, the six cops involved in the August 2 shooting of Baltazar surrendered to the authorities, namely PEMS Roberto Balais Jr., PSSg Gerry Maliba, PSSg Antonio Bugayong Jr., PSSg Nikko Pines Esquilon, PCpl Edmard Jade Blanco and Patrolman Benedict Mangada.

Baltazar was a victim of the shooting incident in a search operation for a wanted suspect in Navotas City.

(AI/MNM)