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Advocates Philippines
National Union Of Peoples Lawyers Calls For Prosecution Of Navotas Policemen In Murder Case
Photo courtesy from Vincent Go
The National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL) has declared that the Navotas policemen involved in the recent case of Jerhode "Jemboy" Baltazar's death should be held accountable for murder. The organization demands an end to impunity and urges the authorities to prosecute the police officers to the fullest extent of the law.
The NUPL strongly rejects the normalization of deaths resulting from what are supposed to be routine police operations. The statement emphasizes that there should be no automatic presumption of regularity when a death occurs during such operations. In the case of Jemboy Baltazar, the NUPL asserts that his death should not be treated as an accident, but rather as an intentional criminal act.
Based on available information, it is indicated that the police operatives deliberately acted with the intent to kill, despite Jemboy and his companion being unarmed and defenseless. The NUPL argues that the circumstances surrounding the incident provide ample grounds for an indictment of murder, rather than a mere charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
The NUPL calls attention to the fact that intentional killing constitutes either homicide or murder, contingent upon the surrounding circumstances. The organization points out that in this specific case, police officers were armed and well-equipped, and their actions were allegedly directed towards apprehending a crime suspect. Consequently, the NUPL contends that Jemboy's death was a direct consequence of the police operation and should not be downgraded to a case of reckless imprudence.
Citing the 2023 PNP Police Operational Procedure, which outlines the standards for the use of necessary and reasonable force, the NUPL argues that either the police failed to adhere to their own protocols or, more gravely, deliberately engaged in unwarranted violence, reminiscent of the controversial "war on drugs." The breach of these protocols, according to the NUPL, should serve as a basis for administrative charges against the responsible officers.
The NUPL further calls for transparency and fairness in the investigation of the incident, in order to prevent any attempts at whitewashing or impunity. The organization challenges the Navotas police to disclose the names of the charged officers and refrain from obstructing public inquiries into the matter. Additionally, the NUPL calls upon police leadership to extend the same commitment to due process rights for ordinary citizens as they do for their personnel.
Forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun has also weighed in on the matter, highlighting the need for thorough investigation and expressing frustration at potential interference with her findings. Dr. Fortun's involvement underscores the gravity of the case and the imperative of ensuring an impartial and comprehensive inquiry.
The NUPL strongly rejects the normalization of deaths resulting from what are supposed to be routine police operations. The statement emphasizes that there should be no automatic presumption of regularity when a death occurs during such operations. In the case of Jemboy Baltazar, the NUPL asserts that his death should not be treated as an accident, but rather as an intentional criminal act.
Based on available information, it is indicated that the police operatives deliberately acted with the intent to kill, despite Jemboy and his companion being unarmed and defenseless. The NUPL argues that the circumstances surrounding the incident provide ample grounds for an indictment of murder, rather than a mere charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
The NUPL calls attention to the fact that intentional killing constitutes either homicide or murder, contingent upon the surrounding circumstances. The organization points out that in this specific case, police officers were armed and well-equipped, and their actions were allegedly directed towards apprehending a crime suspect. Consequently, the NUPL contends that Jemboy's death was a direct consequence of the police operation and should not be downgraded to a case of reckless imprudence.
Citing the 2023 PNP Police Operational Procedure, which outlines the standards for the use of necessary and reasonable force, the NUPL argues that either the police failed to adhere to their own protocols or, more gravely, deliberately engaged in unwarranted violence, reminiscent of the controversial "war on drugs." The breach of these protocols, according to the NUPL, should serve as a basis for administrative charges against the responsible officers.
The NUPL further calls for transparency and fairness in the investigation of the incident, in order to prevent any attempts at whitewashing or impunity. The organization challenges the Navotas police to disclose the names of the charged officers and refrain from obstructing public inquiries into the matter. Additionally, the NUPL calls upon police leadership to extend the same commitment to due process rights for ordinary citizens as they do for their personnel.
Forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun has also weighed in on the matter, highlighting the need for thorough investigation and expressing frustration at potential interference with her findings. Dr. Fortun's involvement underscores the gravity of the case and the imperative of ensuring an impartial and comprehensive inquiry.
Aug 14, 2023
