MANILA, Philippines – As with the case of Kian delos Santos, Malacañang promised an impartial and transparent probe into the death of teenager Carl Arnaiz.

“There will be a thorough investigation,” said Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella on Tuesday, September 5, during a Palace news briefing.

He added that those found to have abused the law in the operation that killed 19-year-old Arnaiz “will be made accountable before our laws.” (READ: Kian and Carl: Parallelism in the deaths of two boys)

Abella sought to allay concerns that Arnaiz’s death was being downplayed by government officials.

For instance, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa has told the public that Arnaiz’s death cannot be likened to that of Delos Santos which sparked public outrage and led President Rodrigo Duterte to temper his messaging on the drug war.

“We assure the public that there [is] no whitewash,” said Duterte’s spokesman. 

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II earlier ordered a probe into Arnaiz’s death. The boy was killed on August 18, just two days after Delos Santos’ death.

Arnaiz supposedly died during a shoot-out with police after robbing a taxi driver. But autopsy results reveal he was handcuffed, dragged, and shot, similar to Delos Santos. Police claimed they recovered packets of shabu and marijuana from Arnaiz. (READ: PNP autopsy shows Carl Arnaiz had ‘difficulty’ fighting back)

Caloocan police were involved in both the cases of Arnaiz and Delos Santos. The city’s police chief, Chito Bersaluna, was sacked over Delos Santos’ killing. A new chief has since been appointed. – Rappler.com