THE policeman who killed a woman and her son during an altercation in Tarlac had been red-flagged because of administrative charges filed against him in the past, including two cases of homicide.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Debold Sinas said Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca was charged administratively five times from 2013 to 2019.
Two cases filed in May and December 2019 were for homicide, but both cases were dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence.
In 2016, he was charged with serious neglect of duty for failing to attend a court hearing as prosecution witness of a drug-related case.
A year earlier, in 2015, he was suspended for 31 days for less grave misconduct after he refused to undergo a drug test and left the testing venue without permission and clearance from the National Police Commission (Napolcom) inspectors.
In 2013, he faced another administrative case for grave misconduct but the case was also dropped and closed.
Sinas said the track record of Nuezca may serve as a red flag but the PNP cannot use this to prohibit him from carrying a service firearm.
“Yes we are also considering that one pero habang wala siyang case at that very instance at na-drop therefore he has the right to use and to bear firearms pa rin maski pa kasi kaya nga (we filed cases) nagpresent siya ng ebidensya, nagpresent siya ng defense,” he said.
He said commanders are monitoring their men with such cases. They are also given less delicate assignments.
Nuezca shot at a point-blank range Sonya Gregorio, 52, and her son Frank Anthony Gregorio, 25, who were both unarmed, during an altercation on Sunday afternoon in Barangay Cabayaoasan in Paniqui, Tarlac.
The incident was recorded on video, which went viral on social media.
Angered and, at the same time, saddened by the video footage of the incident, Sinas vowed to help the family attain justice.
He ordered the PNP Internal Affairs Office to conduct a motu proprio investigation on the incident and ensure the quick resolution of summary hearing case for the dismissal of the suspect from the service.
“Again, let me express my sincere condolences to the family of the victims, and I am extending to them any form of assistance within my power as Chief PNP in this unexpected time of grief,” Sinas said.
“The PNP considers this an isolated act of criminality that does not reflect the PNP’s policies and practice,” he added.
Brigadier General Valeriano de Leon, Central Luzon Police Regional Office (PRO-3) director, said Nuezca had just arrived when he “responded” to an explosion that led to a disagreement between his family, and the Gregorio mother and son.
“Base sa report sa akin ay nag-responde lamang itong pulis sa isang pagsabog sa lugar, at in the process ay nagkaroon ng commotion at diskusyon at naungkat ‘yung away nila tungkol sa road right of way. We just want to know what really triggered to use his firearm,” he said in a telephone interview.
He said the suspect refused to give any statement and merely expressed regret for what he did.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, who supervises the PNP, condemned the shooting incident and assured the Gregorio family that such cruelty will not be tolerated.
He reminded policemen to remain calm at all times, control their emotions and conduct themselves in a manner befitting their position as agents of the law.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra also assured that justice will be served.
"I am disturbed that altercations like that in the subject incident could suddenly lead to deaths of persons," Guevarra said in a message to reporters.
"The DOJ will closely monitor developments in this case and ensure that justice is done," he added. (SunStar Philippines)