Interior Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. on Thursday said he called for a review of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) operational procedures after a minor died in the hands of six Navotas police officers.
“Nagpatawag ako na aming dapat i-review ang procedural operation kamukha nitong hot pursuit…. kung ano ang dapat gawin at dapat hindi na maulit ito,” he told reporters in an interview during his visit on the wake of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar.
Abalos said he will convene with the PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. and PNP officials on the matter.
“Re-review-hin namin ang kanilang mode of procedure,” he said.
Acorda said they will also tackle the “command responsibility” to determine the level of liability in the crime.
“We will have to review these, we will discuss these sa susunod na pagkakataon tungkol dito,” he added.
Abalos underscored that the incident should not happen in the first place.
He then vowed to ensure that justice will be served for Jemboy and his family.
Last August 2, six policemen of Navotas City Police Substation 4 shot the 17-year-old victim after mistaking him for another person during an operation.
According to Navotas City Police Chief Allan Umipig, the six police officers have been taken into custody and are now facing administrative charges for command responsibility.
Human rights group Karapatan condemned Jemboy’s death and stressed the need for all police personnel to exercise due diligence.
