DOJ orders NBI to probe death of 19-year-old in Caloocan

September 4, 2017

The justice department has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the death of a 19-year-old former University of Philippine student who was killed in alleged shootout with members of the Caloocan police last month.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Monday he directed NBI Director Dante Gierran to submit a report on the case of Carl Angelo Arnaiz who went missing on August 18, only for his parents to find out his body was in a funeral parlor 10 days later.

“I already issued a verbal order last Saturday but the written order was issued today (Monday),” Aguirre said.

The Public Attorney's Office, headed by Persida Acosta, is handling the case of Arnaiz.

Acosta said they are still gathering more evidence before filing a case against the policemen involved in the operation.

Acosta said initial investigation and forensic analysis appears to differ from the claim of police that Arnaiz shot it out with them before he was killed.

Erwin Erfe, PAO’s forensic expert, said five gunshot wounds by Arnaiz indicate  “intentional killing.”

He added there were signs of torture.

Police claimed Arnaiz robbed taxi driver Tomas Bagcal along C3 Road in Caloocan and took the latter’s wallet before fleeing.

They said the taxi driver sought their assistance, but Arnaiz allegedly fired at the responding policemen, prompting them to retaliate.

Police said the wallet of Bagcal was recovered in the crime scene along with three packs of suspected shabu in his backpack and marijuana leaves in his pocket.

Arnaiz's parents denied their son is involved in illegal drug trade. DMS