MANILA — The two Caloocan policemen, who were implicated in the killings of teenagers Carl Angelo Arnaiz and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman last August, asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to extend the preliminary investigation for them to be able to present their witnesses.
At the resumption of the preliminary investigation hearing, the respondents — Police Officers 1 Jeffrey Perez and Ricky Arquilita — asked for additional hearings to allow them to present their own witnesses and additional evidence to debunk the charges filed by parents of the victims.
But respondents’ lawyers explained that the policemen have been under restrictive custody so they were not able to immediately secure the witnesses.
The DOJ panel did not immediately rule on the plea and ordered the respondents to put their request in writing.
The DOJ supposedly intends to conclude the preliminary investigation and submit the case for resolution after last hearing on Thursday.
The hearings could be extended due to this development.
Opposing the cops’ request, Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta, counsel for the respective parents of Arnaiz and De Guzman will also be given chance to comment on the claims of the witnesses.
Acosta is hopeful that the panel would reject the plea of the policemen, saying they were already given ample time to answer the charges of double murder, torture and planting of evidence under Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).
“The case should be submitted for resolution already by next hearing. There are no more additional documents necessary. It’s the last chance for the parties already,” she told reporters in an interview after the hearing.
She added that the purpose of the preliminary investigation was to only determine whether there is probable cause to file charges in court.
Aside from the two cops, taxi driver Tomas Bagcal is also included as respondent.
Arnaiz, 19, and De Guzman, 14, who were neighbors in Cainta went missing on August 18.
Caloocan City police claimed Arnaiz died during a shootout last August 18 when he resisted arrest and fired his handgun at chasing cops following the taxi robbery committed against Bagcal.
Arnaiz’s body was found at Ezekiel Funeral Homes weeks after he disappeared.
De Guzman’s body was fished out of a creek in Gapan, Nueva Ecija on September 5. It bore at least 28 stab wounds with his head wrapped in packing tape and a shirt. (PNA)
