Patrolman Jefrey Perez was found guilty of torture and planting evidence against drug war victims Carl Angelo Arnaiz and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman in 2017 — a case that became controversial at the same time as the death of their fellow teenager, Kian Delos Santos.
This is the verdict handed down by the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Branch 122, on November 10th, which was made public this Wednesday by the Public Attorney’s Office.
“WHEREFORE, premises considered the accused, PO1 JEFFREY S. PEREZ is hereby found GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt for all the crimes charged against him,” according to the decision signed by Presiding Judge Rodrigo Pascua Jr.
Because of this, Perez will face the following penalties:
- up to four years and two months in prison (torture to Arnaiz)
- up to 40 years in prison (torture to De Guzman)
- two terms of life imprisonment and lifelong disqualification from public office (planting evidence against Arnaiz)
- up to 40 years in prison (planting evidence on Arnaiz)
- payment of P2 million damages (moral and exemplary damages) to Arnaiz’s family
- payment of P2 million damages (moral and exemplary damages) to De Guzman’s family)
- interest at the rate of 6% per annum on all monetary awards from the date of finality of the decision until paid
Cop guilty of torture, planting evidence
“Moreover, pursuant to Section 18 of Republic Act No. 9745, the victim’s heirs, are likewise entitled to claim for compensation as provided under Republic Act No. 7309 for an amount to be [determined] by the government agency concerned,” the decision added.
January 2018 when the Caloocan court ordered the arrest of Perez and Ricky Arquilita for the complaint of murder, torture, and planting evidence on two young people who were pressured into illegal drugs.
The alleged planted evidence included two plastic sachets of marijuana placed in Arnaiz’s right pocket. That is in addition to the three sachets of suspected shabu placed in his backpack.
The court also resolved that Perez and Aquilita worked together to plant a .38 caliber revolver with a bullet near Arnaiz’s body “to make it look like he shot himself” during the hot pursuit operation to “cover up the murder.”
Despite this, it will be recalled that the two murder charges were dismissed due to “lack of jurisdiction.” The murder charges were filed again in the Navotas court.
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