Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday said she will file a resolution asking for a Senate investigation into the killing of Jemboy Baltazar during a police drug operation in Navotas.
Hontiveros said she will file the Senate resolution on this issue to reveal a “cover-up operations” which “appeared to insult the integrity” of the Philippine National Police (PNP and the people.
She also welcomed the decision of the PNP-IAS to file administrative charges against the officers, including the Navotas police chief who reportedly covered up the involvement of officers in the death of Baltazar.
Hontiveros however said while this development is a first step toward accountability, removing the officers from their posts is “not justice.” She said it is appalling that at least 11 police officers did an apparent “overkill” in the fatal shooting of the 17-year-old boy.
“Is it standard procedure for police officers to shoot on sight and not even attempt arrest?” Hontiveros said.
She likewise urged the Ombudsman and Department of Justice to further investigate the Navotas police chief and police officers for obstruction of justice.
Reports said the officers altered the report on Baltazar’s death to remove the names of the 11 officers.
Hontiveros also said it is about time to file criminal charges against policemen who abuse their power to avoid the law. “Beyond this specific case, the Senate should consider investigating
if similar tactics have been used in other police operations.”
In addition to the Supreme Court’s rules requiring police body cams, Hontiveros also assured to explore the possibility of legislation that will penalize police officers who fail to turn on their body cams during operations.
“Today, on the death anniversary of Kian delos Santos, we are reminded of the urgent action we need to take on for the many young lives we’ve lost to trigger-happy and cruel cops,” Hontiveros said.
