Manila: The Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld the multiple life sentences handed down to Police Officer 1 Jefrey Perez, who was convicted in connection with the deaths of two Caloocan youths in 2017 during the previous administration's controversial war on drugs.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CA's Second Division, in a 50-page decision dated April 10, affirmed the November 10, 2022, ruling by the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Branch 122, which found Perez guilty of torturing 14-year-old Reynaldo de Guzman, alias "Kulot," and 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz. Perez was also found guilty of planting drugs and a firearm as evidence against the victims.

His co-accused, PO1 Ricky Arquilita, passed away in 2019 while in detention at the Valenzuela City Jail. The CA, in its ruling, criticized state-sanctioned violence, emphasizing that "public peace is never predicated on the cost of human life."

The ruling expressed hope that this case serves as a testament to the judiciary's commitment to protecting the rights of the vulnerable, asserting that the integrity of the judicial system remains intact.

An official police report initially claimed that the two teenagers engaged in a shootout with the officers after allegedly robbing a taxi. However, a witness testified in court, revealing that the policemen executed the teens and planted evidence on them.

Perez was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, which translates to up to 40 years in prison, for the torture charges under Republic Act No. 9745, the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, and ordered to pay PHP175,000. Additionally, he received two life imprisonment terms for the planting of evidence under Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and reclusion perpetua for planting evidence under Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.