Prosecution rests case in Carl, Kulot murders

MANILA, Philippines — The prosecuton panel has finished its presentation of evidence in the trial of a policeman accused of killing teenagers Carl Angelo Arnaiz and

Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman.

With the presentation of prosecution evidence done, Pat. Jeffrey Perez’s lawyer will present his counter-evidence January next year.

Perez also faces charges of torture and planting of evidence before the Caloocan regional trial court (RTC). The second suspect, Pat. Ricky Arquilita, died in detention. 

The two had been denied bail by Navotas RTC Branch 287 Judge Romana Lindayag del Rosario due to strong evidence of guilt.

On Wednesday, Dr. Erwin Erfe, forensics chief of the Public Attorney’s Office, took the witness stand. He testified that the body of Arnaiz, 19, bore bruises and gunshot wounds fired from a higher position by  the police officers.

He backed the earlier testimony of Northern Police District medicolegal officer Chief Inspector Jocelyn Padilla Cruz, who told the court Arnaiz died of five gunshot wounds fired from a higher position, possibly while Arnaiz was kneeling.

Both also confirmed the handcuff marks on Arnaiz’s wrists and bruises that indicate he was tortured and under custody before he was shot dead at a grassy area in Navotas.

Their testimonies bolstered the account of eyewitness “Joe Daniel,” who testified that he saw Arnaiz kneeling and begging for mercy at a grassy area in Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas where he was shot by the accused lawmen on Aug. 18, 2017.

Police also reportedly omitted from their investigation that De Guzman, 14, was last seen alive with Arnaiz, prosecutors said.

Erfe  also testified on the 30 stab wounds on De Guzman’s body, which was found floating in a river in Nueva Ecija.                                                                                                       

Arnaiz’s father Carlito yesterday said he is confident of a conviction due to strong prosecution evidence.

“Malakas ang physical evidence. Nagtugma rin mga sinabi ng mga testigo. Kumpiyansa kami,” he said.

Police made it appear Arnaiz fought back in a police operation following an attempted robbery in Caloocan, prosecutors said.