EX-COP CONVICTED FOR KILLING TEEN
THE Navotas Regional Trial Court has convicted a police officer in the killing of 17-year-old Jhemboy Baltazar.
In a decision handed down by Navotas City Regional Trial Court Branch 286, former staff sergeant Gerry Maliban was found guilty of homicide and sentenced to four years in jail.
The court also ordered a four-month detention for former executive master sergeant Roberto Balais Jr., staff sergeant Nikko Esquilon, corporal Eduard Jake Blanco and patrolman Benedict Mangada for illegal discharge of firearms.
However, Staff Sergeant Antonio Bugayong Jr. was acquitted of all charges related to the case. The Metro Manila District Jail Annex 2 has been ordered to release him unless he is being detained for another lawful cause.
Baltazar’s mother, Rodaliza, expressed dismay over the court’s decision.
“He [Maliban] will only be imprisoned for four years. My son is gone forever. They ganged up on my son and shot him, and then what? That’s it? They can just be free? I hope they also feel what my family is feeling now, the immense pain of losing my son,” she said in Tagalog.
“What is my son’s life worth? Was he just like a dog or a cat that they can mistreat without consequence? Where is the justice for my son? My son was young and full of dreams. That’s all gone because they killed him for no reason. My son was innocent,” she added.
On Aug. 2, 2023, Baltazar and his companion were preparing their boat for fishing when police arrived, conducting a hot pursuit operation against a murder suspect. The officers were in civilian clothes.
A witness said he and Baltazar initially hid in a corner, fearing the police. As they were about to come out, the police started shooting, prompting Baltazar to jump into the water.
Baltazar sustained gunshots to the head and right hand. Concerned citizens, not the police, recovered his body several hours later.
The police later admitted it was a case of mistaken identity. The six officers involved were previously dismissed from service for grave misconduct.