DOJ starts probe on murder, torture case of Carl, Kulot
Two policemen tagged in killings of Carl Angelo Arnaiz and Reynaldo De Guzman attend the DOJ preliminary investigation. Edu Punay/The STAR
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice has started its preliminary investigation on the death of 19-year-old Carl Arnaiz and 14-year old Reynaldo “Kulot” De Guzman.
Parents of both Arnaiz and De Guzman filed murder and torture complaints against PO1 Jeffrey Perez, PO1 Ricky Arquilita and cabbie Tomas Bagcal.
READ: Carl Arnaiz's parents file murder complaints vs. cops, cabbie
Bagcal arrived at the hearing late, saying he was not aware he was named as a respondent in the case.
Public Attorney's Office chief Persida Acosta served as the legal counsel of the parents of Arnaiz and De Guzman.
Also present at the hearing were five witnesses in the case.
READ: Kulot's parents file murder, torture raps vs Caloocan police
Arnaiz went missing on the night of August 17. His body was found 11 days later at a funeral home in Caloocan City. The 19-year-old former University of the Philippines student reportedly robbed a taxi driver and fired back at responding policemen, prompting the authorities to shoot him.
De Guzman was believed to be Arnaiz’s last companion. On September 6, his parents were informed that their son’s body was found floating in a creek in Gapan, Nueva Ecija.
However, a DNA test conducted by the PNP raised doubts on the identity of the body found in Nueva Ecija.
Despite this, the body believed to be De Guzman was laid to rest at the Pasig City Public Cemetery on September 13.
READ: 'Kulot' laid to rest as doubts on identity swirl
The DOJ set the next preliminary investigation hearing on October 19. The respondents are expected to file their counter-affidavits next week. — with report from Edu Punay
- Latest
- Trending
