Senator Risa Hontiveros has cautiously welcomed the decision of the PNP-IAS (Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service) to file administrative charges against and replace the Navotas police chief who is alleged to have concealed the involvement of police officers in the death of Jemboy Baltazar.
While acknowledging this initial step towards accountability, Hontiveros maintains her stance that removal from position falls short of delivering true justice.
"I welcome the decision of the PNP-IAS to file administrative charges against and relieve the Navotas police chief who covered up the involvement of police officers in the death of Jemboy Baltazar," said the senator.
"However, while this is a first step towards accountability, relief from position is not justice. It is appalling that at least 11 police officers did an overkill shooting of one 17-year old boy. Is it standard procedure for police officers to shoot on sight and not even attempt arrest?" she pointed out.
In light of these concerns, Hontiveros urged the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice to conduct a more exhaustive and thorough investigation into the Navotas police chief and the police officers implicated.
Her call for further inquiry stems from revelations that the original report on Baltazar's death was purportedly tampered with to erase the names of the 11 officers involved.
Senator Hontiveros goes a step beyond approval and advocates for legal measures against police officers who exploit their power to obstruct justice, emphasizing the importance of accountability.
"Oras nang sampahan ng kasong kriminal ang mga pulis na inaabuso ang kapangyarihan nila para maiwasan ang saklaw ng batas," she stated.
"I will file a resolution to urge a Senate investigation on this issue, para maisiwalat na ang mga "cover up operations" na tila binabastos ang integridad ng PNP at lalo na ang taumbayan," the senator added.
Expanding her concerns, Senator Hontiveros is advocating for a broader Senate inquiry into the potential usage of similar tactics in other police operations.
She also aims to explore the possibility of legislation that would penalize police officers who neglect to activate their body cameras during operations.
As a result of the case involving the death of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar, the chief of police of Navotas City Police Station, Police Colonel Allan Umipig, has been temporarily removed from his position. He is currently facing an administrative complaint in relation to the unfortunate incident.
