Navotas City police shoot and kill wrong teen suspect

A significant blunder made by six members of the Navotas City police resulted in the tragic death of Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar, a lad of merely 17 years. Mistaking him for the suspect they were hunting down, they fatally shot him while the unsuspecting victim was boarding a boat. The erroneous incident occurred on August 2 and the Northern Police District (NPD) is now readying criminal and administrative charges against the six officers involved.

The Navotas city police chief, Allan Umipig, reportedly confirmed yesterday to The Manila Times that these six officers, their names unrevealed as of now, have already been relocated to the NPD’s custodial facility. Prior to the unfortunate mishap, they had been carrying out a follow-up operation post a shooting event in Barangay NBBS-Kaunlaran which turned deadly following their receipt of a misguided tip-off concerning the presence of their original target.

Appallingly, the officers did not hesitate to shoot young Baltazar, which resulted in his untimely demise. Allan Umipig, expressing remorse over the matter, conceded to there being a massive oversight committed by the officers.

He disclosed, “Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar met his end through our unfortunate mistake. His family, shocked and grieving, have understandably lodged a homicide complaint before the City Prosecutor’s Office.” The regrettable incident has roused a sense of profound sorrow among the city’s folks.

Beyond the city police’s accountability, Mayor John Rey Tiangco also weighed in on the tragic occurrence that has stirred significant unease and critique. Anguished by the death of the teenager, he extended his heartfelt condolences to the victim’s kin, reported Manila Times.

Mayor Tiangco stated, “We at the city government are deeply saddened by the wrongful death of the young lad. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the victim and pledge to support them in this challenging time through the aid they require.”