Court orders arrest of 6 cops tagged in Navotas teen's death
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 4) — A regional trial court has ordered the arrest of six police officers involved in the Aug. 2 killing of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar in Navotas City.
In a decision dated Oct. 3, but released to the media Wednesday, the Regional Trial Court Branch 286 said it found probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against the following:
- Police Executive Master Sergeant Roberto Balais, Jr.
- Police Staff Sergeant Gerry Maliban
- Police Staff Sergeant Antonio Bugayong, Jr.
- Police Staff Sergeant Nikko Esquilon
- Police Corporal Edward Blanco
- Patrolman Benedict Mangada
“Considering that the accused stand charged with murder, they are not entitled to bail as a matter of course,” the document read.
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It was signed by Presiding Judge Pedro Dabu Jr.
Police earlier said Baltazar's killing was a case of mistaken identity.
