THE policeman cleared in the “mistaken identity” slaying of a teen-ager in Navotas City last year will not be automatically reinstated in the police service, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.
In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the police officers involved in the gun-slaying of Jerhod “Jemboy” Baltazar in August last year were also charged administratively, apart from the criminal cases lodged against them in court.
The Navotas City Regional Trial Court (RTC) acquitted S/Sgt. Antonio Bugayong, but convicted S/Sgt. Gerry Maliban of homicide.
Four others, Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Balais Jr., S/Sgt. Nikko Esquillon, Cpl. Edward Blanco, and Pat. Benedict Mangada were found guilty of illegal discharge of a firearm relative to the Baltazar case.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) initially filed murder charges against the six policemen over Baltazar’s death in an alleged incident of mistaken identity during a botched operation last August.
“Ito naman administrative case na isinampa sa kanila ay for grave misconduct, serious irregularity in the performance of duty, conduct unbecoming, iba yung ebidensya iprinisent sa kanila (The administrative cases filed against them are for grave misconduct, serious irregularity in the performance of duty, conduct unbecoming, the evidence presented against them is different),” Fajardo told reporters.
She said the six police officers were able to appeal their dismissal in November last year, two months before the court handed down its verdict.
“Regardless if they were acquitted, the appeal won’t be automatically approved in their favor, much more their reinstatement. There is a process to be followed,” Fajardo explained..
She said the victim’s family is free to appeal the court’s verdict.
Fajardo also adverted to a plan by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take the case to the Court of Appeals (CA).
The PNP earlier welcomed the court’s ruling, saying it reflected the institution’s commitment to uphold justice and accountability within its ranks.