PAO optimistic about ‘torture cop’ conviction

Public Attorney’s Office chief Atty. Persida V. Rueda-Acosta is optimistic that Police Officer 1 Jeffrey S. Perez — the police officer who allegedly tortured and killed 19-year-old former University of the Philippines student Carl Angelo M. Arnaiz in 2017 — will be convicted of murder.

This comes after Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Judge Rodrigo F. Pascua Jr. convicted Perez of two counts of torture and two counts of planting of evidence against Arnaiz and his 14-year-old companion Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman in 2017.

Perez was charged of murder for the death of Arnaiz is pending with the Navotas City RTC, she said. Witnesses claimed Arnaiz was killed in Navotas City.

“We are optimistic that the same decision will come out,” Acosta said.

There is a formal offer of evidence by the accused and the case will be set for promulgation.

The PAO represented the families of the victims in the filing of complaints before the Department of Justice that subsequently filed the cases before the courts.

Acosta said they already started handling the case and they will finish it.

Meantime, the Philippine National Police said that it respects the decision of the Caloocan City RTC for the conviction of Perez.

“The PNP never ceased to keep track of this case since the early stages of investigation until its successful prosecution. We respect the decision of the Regional Trial Court, Caloocan City finding the accused Jefrey Perez guilty of the charges filed against him for the deaths of Carl Angelo Arnaiz and Reynaldo de Guzman in August 2017,” PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said.

He added that the PNP remains steadfast in their sworn duty to uphold and respect human rights in all aspects of police operations in fighting criminality.

“The decision was a result of a fair full-blown trial hence, we believe that the accused was given his in day in court to present his side. Nevertheless, any acts committed by erring personnel does not reflect the views of the whole PNP organization,” Azurin said.

He added that rge PNP has always maintained its stance to uphold the rule of law in all its undertakings and at present, the PNP oath to shift its strategy on anti-crime and illegal drug campaign.

“We aim to utilize a more holistic approach in combating crimes which would involve the church and the community through our Kasimbayanan program,” Azurin said.