Refutes police version of events
(Eagle News) — The taxi driver allegedly held at gunpoint by Carl Angelo Arnaiz surfaced on Sunday, and claimed the statement police showed in public was not his.
In a press conference, Tomas Bagcal said in the police station, he was “only asked” his birthday, name, age and then the OR/CR of his vehicle.
He said this was after a man he picked up from Navotas and who was later identified as Arnaiz held him at gunpoint on Aug. 18.
“Isa lang ang humoldap sa akin,” he said.
He said he chased after the suspect, who fired a gun but no bullet came out.
He said the suspect was eventually cornered by him and other people in the area.
He said he was able to recognize the suspect, Arnaiz, because he was able to lift his cap.
According to Bagcal, he turned over the suspect, who was wearing a black jacket, to the police alive.
He said the suspect was taken inside a cell.
Afterwards though, Bagcal said PO1 Jeffrey Perez and Ricky Arquilita took the young man to their mobile car.
He said an “Ilocano cop” then got inside his taxi.
The police, Bagcal said, released the suspect where the crime took place.
“A few seconds may putukan na akong narinig. At that time nagtago na ako sa poste ng Meralco,” he said.
Pressure
According to Bagcal, he was forced to come out because of the “pressure” he felt with many people looking for him.
“Nadadawit na po pamilya ko kaya naisipan kong lumapit sa Rise Up,” he added.
He said the suspect’s killing also appeared to be scripted.