CHR presses retraining of entire police force after ‘Jemboy’ killing

By Vince Lopez

COMMISSION on Human Rights (CHG) chairman

Richard Palpal-latoc has recommended a retraining of the entire Philippine National Police (PNP) force in light of the Aug. 2 killing of a 17-year-old teenager near his home in what the police claimed as a case of mistaken identity.

Meanwhile, the PNP, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called a press conference in Camp Crame to tackle various issues confronting the entire police force.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. enjoined the PNPL and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to revisit the command responsibility doctrine.

While Palpal-latoc welcomed the Northern Police District’s announcement of a refresher course for its police personnel, the CHR chief said this should be done nationwide.

“It shouldn’t be limited to that station, adding that it should cover the entire police force. In fact, we have an existing training for them on human rights,” Palpal-latoc said.

Palpal-latoc noted that the Philippine National Police already has its operational procedures and guidelines with a human rights based approach.

“If you will just follow the rules properly, rights abuses could be avoided,” he stressed.

Jemboy Baltazar, 17, was shot dead by policeman after he allegedly jumped from a boat into the river when he was ordered to surrender.

Palpal-latoc also stressed the importance of police personnel using the body cameras issued to them.

The policemen involved in the killing of Baltazar supposedly did not use their body cameras. They were placed on preventive