(Eagle News) — Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre on Thursday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to locate the taxi driver who was supposedly robbed by Carl Angelo Arnaiz on the day he was killed by alleged pursuing police.
Aguirre gave the order to locate Tomas Bagcal, who had said that Arnaiz had held him at gunpoint and then had taken his wallet on Aug. 18.
In one version of his affidavit, Bagcal said Arnaiz declared a holdup upon their arrival at the barangay hall of Barangay 28 in Caloocan; in another, he said he held him at gunpoint on C3 Road.
In his department order 97, Aguirre also “granted” the NBI “authority to conduct (an) investigation and case-buildup over the alleged robbery against (Bagcal) by (Arnaiz) and to determine the factual circumstances that led to the death” of the teenager.
“Further, (NBI director Dante) Gierran shall submit a report to the Office of the Secretary of Justice on its current activities related to the implementation of this order,” Aguirre said.
“This order takes effect immediately and shall remain in force until further orders,” he added.
“Tortured”
According to the Caloocan police, Arnaiz was killed in a shootout that ensued after he fired at the patrolling policemen who were going to arrest him.
But Arnaiz’s parents have disputed the police account, noting that based on the Public Attorneys Office autopsy results, the teenager appeared to have been tortured before he was killed.
The PAO said Arnaiz bore handcuff marks, had a swollen eye, and appeared to have been kneeling before he was killed.