MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday assured that there would be no whitewash in the investigation of the case of Carl Angelo Arnaiz, the 19-year-old former University of the Philippines student who was allegedly killed in a shootout after robbing a taxi driver in Caloocan on August 18.
“We assure the public there will be no whitewash and there will be a thorough and impartial investigation,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in Palace briefing.
“Those found responsible will be made accountable before our laws,” Abella added.
According to the parents of Arnaiz, their son left their home in Cainta, Rizal on the night of August 17 to buy snacks but did not return and went missing for 10 days.
His body was later found in a morgue in Caloocan City.
According to the Caloocan police, Arnaiz hailed a cab in Navotas City at around 3:30 a.m. of August 18.
Upon reaching C-3 Road in Caloocan, Arnaiz allegedly drew his gun and declared a holdup.
He likewise reportedly hit the driver, Tomas Bagcal, with intent to acquire the latter’s wallet.
The driver purportedly sought assistance when he chanced upon members of the Caloocan police.
The report claimed that Arnaiz successively fired shots towards Police Officer 1 Jeffrey Perez and Police Officer 1 Ricky Arquilita, prompting the cops to return fire.
Arnaiz was hit several times in the body, resulting in his instantaneous death.
The police likewise reported that marijuana and suspected shabu was found in the teenager’s belonging.
However, forensic experts from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) said that aside from the four gunshot wounds on his chest and one at the back of his right arm, there were indications that the teenager was handcuffed and tortured before his death.
Arnaiz’ parents are also denying that their son was into drugs.
PAO chief Persida Acosta said her office is set to file murder charges against the policemen before the Department of Justice.
In the meantime, police said that Arnaiz has tested positive for gunpowder nitrates based on a paraffin test conducted by the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory.
The two neophyte cops involved in the killing of Arnaiz have already been relieved from duty and placed under restrictive custody. (PNA)
