PNP: Cop convicted for drug war torture of 2 teens proves PH justice system works

FILE PHOTO: Philippine National Police.

MANILA, Philippines – The conviction of a Caloocan City police officer for planting evidence and torturing two teenage drug war victims proves that the country’s justice system is functional, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a society where unfairness complaints are widespread, the verdict sends a powerful message that everyone must obey the law or face the consequences. Especially important for the underprivileged, who often feel the system is stacked against them.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo on Friday said the decision of the Caloocan City regional trial court – which found police officer Jefrey Perez guilty of torturing Carl Angelo Arnaiz and Reynaldo “Kulot” De Guzman and planting plastic sachets of illegal drugs and revolver to make it appear that Arnaiz tried to resist arrest – is a welcome development on the part of the PNP.

READ: Cop guilty of drug war torture, frame-up of teens

Ricky Arquilita, another police officer, accused in the frame-up and torture of Arnaiz and De Guzman, succumbed to the suspected liver disease while the trial was ongoing. His death extinguished his criminal liabilities.

“What this conviction shows is that the criminal justice system in the Philippines is working. While others may see a slow resolution of cases, the bottom line is there is a conviction. We welcome this,” Fajardo told Inquirer.net in a phone interview.

She also noted that the PNP acknowledges that some cases against police officers and non-uniformed personnel remain pending before the courts.

“There may be some delays in the resolution of these cases, but we have to understand that the PNP has no control over this. It’s really up to the courts to decide on these pending cases,” she added.

READ: 2,098 cases filed vs PNP personnel over ‘drug war,’ drug use since July 2016 – Fajardo

Perez’s guilty ruling is only the second criminal conviction linking police officers to the brutal war on drugs.

In 2018 police officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda, and Jerwin Cruz were found liable for the murder of 17-year-old high school student Kian delos Santos.

READ: 3 cops convicted of murdering Kian 

/MUF/abc