By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the multiple life terms against PO1 Jefrey Perez in connection with the deaths of two Caloocan youths in 2017 during the past administration’s controversial war on drugs.
In its 50-page decision dated April 10, the CA’s Second Division affirmed the Nov. 10, 2022 decision of the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Branch 122 finding Perez guilty of torturing Reynaldo de Guzman alias “Kulot,” 14; and Carl Angelo Arnaiz,19, some eight years ago.
He was also found guilty of planting drugs and a gun as evidence.
His co-accused, PO1 Ricky Arquilita, died in 2019 while in detention at the Valenzuela City Jail.
In a rebuke against state sanctioned violence, the CA stressed in its ruling that “public peace is never predicated on the cost of human life.”
“(I)t is our fervent hope that this case will be a living testament that although far from being perfect, our judicial institution remains steadfast in protecting the rights of those who cannot help themselves, and we will continue to do so, lest the confidence in the judiciary be shaken,” it added.
An official police spot record claimed that the two teens shot it out with policeman after robbing a taxi.
This was belied by a witness who testified seeing the policemen executing them and planting evidence in their pockets.
The court convicted Perez to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years in prison for the charge of torture under Republic Act No. 9745, or the Anti-Torture Act of 2009 and was ordered to pay PHP175,000.
He was likewise sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for two counts of planting of evidence under RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and reclusion perpetua for planting of evidence under RA 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. (PNA)
