MANILA, April 21 -- The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the multiple life terms against PO1 Jefrey Perez in connection with the deaths of two Caloocan youths in 2017 during the past administration's controversial war on drugs.

In its 50-page decision dated April 10, the CA's Second Division affirmed the Nov. 10, 2022 decision of the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Branch 122 finding Perez guilty of torturing Reynaldo de Guzman alias "Kulot," 14; and Carl Angelo Arnaiz,19, some eight years ago.

He was also found guilty of planting drugs and a gun as evidence.

His co-accused, PO1 Ricky Arquilita, died in 2019 while in detention at the Valenzuela City Jail.

In a rebuke against state sanctioned violence, the CA stressed in its rulin...