Mistaken identity: IAS probes teen’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday started its investigation into the death of a 17-year-old boy in a case of alleged mistaken identity in Navotas City.

IAS inspector general Alfegar Triambulo said the fact-finding probe would take at least three days followed by a pre-charge investigation of the police officers believed to be responsible for the killing of Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar.

“After seven days, the case would be elevated for summary hearing,” Triambulo said in a text message.

Based on the IAS timeline, the summary hearing of the case will last for about 20 days.

The IAS vowed to resolve the case by Sept. 6 and forward its recommendations to the National Capital Regional Police Office.

According to the PNP, there will be no special treatment for the six policemen allegedly involved in the operation that killed Baltazar in Barangay North Bay Boulevard South Kaunlaran on Aug. 2.

Police were pursuing a suspect in a shooting, but mistook Baltazar for their target.

Apart from criminal complaints for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the immediate supervisors of the suspects – two police captains – have been relieved from their posts for command responsibility.

P50,000 bribe?

On the claims of Baltazar’s family that some relatives of the police officers tried to offer P50,000 to settle the case, Fajardo said they have no information about it.

But according to Jeraldine Tolentino, Baltazar’s sister, a family member of one of the officers offered to cover the burial expenses, which they turned down.

Tolentino said they would pursue the case against the police officers, adding “whatever they offered is insufficient for what they did to my brother.”

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos vowed justice for the teenager.

Abalos did not name the police officers, but said they are in “restrictive custody.”

Warning shots

According to a witness, gunshots were heard prior to the killing of Baltazar.

The witness told probers that he was with the victim, who panicked and jumped into a boat.

“Lumabas kayo diyan kung ayaw ninyong paputukan namin kayo” (Get out of there if you don’t want us firing at you),” the witness quoted one of the police officers as saying.

Based on the death certificate, the victim died of gunshots to the head.

Baltazar’s mother, Rodaliza, is set to return home from Qatar after seeking the assistance of the Department of Migrant Workers.?

The DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will give the Baltazar family P100,000 in financial assistance, according to DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia. –  Mark Ernest Villeza, Romina Cabrera, Rhodina Villanueva