PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Debold Sinas said he was considering the conduct of a study on anger management issues among policemen to pave the way for a training program aimed at averting violence, abuse and other violations of police operational procedures.
Sinas said he consulted psychologists at the PNP Health Service after Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca shot dead Sonya Gregorio and son Frank Anthony Gregorio during an altercation over a firecracker explosion and land dispute in Paniqui, Tarlac.
Based on the initial assessment of a PNP neuropsychiatrist, Sinas said Nuezca mishandled the confrontation due to a sudden burst of anger.
The incident was caught on video. Both mother and son were unarmed. Nuezca shot the mother first and then shot both of them again after they fell.
“We might have also a new study on anger management of our people. I want to come up with a study and how it (the result of the study) could be converted to a module for anger management,” Sinas said in a press conference.
Nuezca, who is assigned at the Parañaque City Crime Laboratory, surrendered at the police station in Rosales, Pangasinan, about 37 kilometers away from Paniqui, an hour after committing the crime.
He was charged with two counts of murder. Prosecutors have recommended no bail.
Sinas said Nuezca surrendered apparently after his anger died down.
“If you would notice, he decided to surrender. He did not run away and hide. He chose character probably after his anger subsided so that already shows that he is ready to face the charges. And he could not deny it because the incident was documented,” Sinas said.
Nuezca was charged for two separate cases of homicide last year, but both were dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence.
He was suspended in 2015 over less grave misconduct after refusing to undergo a drug test and leaving the testing venue without permission and clearance from the concerned authorities. (SunStar Philippines)