The chief of police of Navotas City Police Station has been relieved from his post in relation to the case of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar, who was killed due to mistaken identity during a police operation.
In a memorandum dated August 15 and released on August 16, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) PBGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said PCol Allan Umipig was relieved due to his failure to supervise the operation and the corresponding investigation.
"Hence, he is liable under the Doctrine of Command Responsibility," he added.
Umipig will be facing administrative charges.
Also removed from their positions due to simple neglect of duty are officer-in-charge Station Investigation and Detective Management Section (SIDMS) Juanito Arabejo and Chief of Clerk Aurelito Galvez.
The six Navotas officers, who were present during the police operations, were likewise dismissed from their current positions.
They were identified as PEMS Roberto Balais, PSSg Antonio Bugayong, PSSg Gerry Maliban, PSSg Nikko Pines Esquilon, PCpl Edmar Jake Blanco, and Pat Benedict.
According to Nartatez Jr., the investigation showed that the six Navotas officers violated the operational guidelines under the Revised Philippine National Police (PNP) Operational Procedure 2021 as they did not use body-worn cameras; failed to observe the Force Continuum; failed to use a firearm under justifying circumstance and failed to observe the proper procedures after an armed confrontation.
The six cops will face criminal and administrative complaints for violation of Article 275 or Abandonment of a person in danger and abandonment of one's own victim under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) as well as less grave misconduct.
Eleven other Navotas officers will likewise face the same charges.
On August 2, six policemen shot Baltazar after they mistook him for the suspect they were chasing in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran at around 2:45 p.m.
The Navotas police officers have been taken into custody.
