By Joseph Almer Pedrajas

A police officer tagged in the killing of Carl Arnaiz and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman died, the defense counsel confirmed.

Atty. Dodjie Encinas said that Patrolman Ricky Arquilita passed away on Black Saturday, April 20. He was 33.

His death was only revealed to media on Wednesday, four days after his passing.

“Arquilita’s death certificate stated that he succumbed at 3:26 a.m. to massive blood loss, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, multiple liver nodules and gallstones on his gallbladder,” JO1 Ghener Danao, Valenzuela City Jail nurse, said.

JSupt. Ramil Vestra, jail warden, said that Arquilita recently looked sick and “turning yellow” while inside the city jail.

He underwent a laboratory test and was found to have an anemia, ascending cholangitis and possible reactive Hepatitis B. He was then advised by the jail’s roving physician and ordered by the Navotas Regional Trial Court for confinement.

The accused had been confined at the Valenzuela Medical Center (VCM) since March 29. This was the reason why he was not able to attend their latest bail hearing on April 8.

Arquilita was known to be “helpful” in their community in Kaunlaran Village, Dagat-dagatan Ave., Caloocan.

In an interview, Jason Luces, Arquilita’s friend, said Arquilita was always there when there were people in need. He also served as an inspiration for his neighbors to become a policeman someday.

“So we do not believe in the accusations against him,” Luces said.

Arquilita and Patrolman Jefrey Perez were the two police officers accused of killing 19-year-old Arnaiz and 14-year-old Kulot.

Arnaiz, who just left their house to buy snacks, went missing before he was killed. He allegedly robbed a taxi driver and was shot dead after he reportedly “resisted arrest” and “fired shots” at the police in Caloocan on August 18, 2017.

Kulot, Arnaiz’ last reported companion, was also found dead with at least 30 stab wounds on his body. His face was covered with packaging tape and cloth when his body was seen floating on a creek in Nueva Ecija on September 6, 2017.

Charges against Arquilita will be dismissed once the Navotas RTC formally receives his death certificate, Juan Antonio Sta. Cruz, clerk of court Branch 287 said.

While the hearing for bail of Perez will continue on June 3, Sta. Cruz added.