MAGALANG -- Relatives and friends of Bernard Nucup, who was killed during a hot pursuit conducted by policemen in Concepcion, Tarlac last August 12, are crying for justice.
“Justice For Bernard Nucup,” they cry claiming that the 21-year-old employee of Lazada–Online Shopping and Deals from Barangay San Francisco this town is a victim of “mistaken identity.”
Nucup was killed when elements of the Concepcion police were conducting a follow up operation in response to a robbery incident where a businessman and his son were killed.
Bernadeth Nucup in his Facebook account posted that his younger brother together with his co-worker, Hernan Miclat Galang also of Barangay San Francisco, were about to board their white delivery van after eating lunch at a canteen in Barangay Alfonso when the policemen arrived in the area.
It was learned that the vehicle used by the suspects in a robbery incident where Jaime Baquing, 58, and his son Chody Baquing, 36, both of Barangay San Nicolas Balas matched the description of Nucup’s delivery van.
Bernadeth claimed that the responding policemen made a “big mistake” by assuming that Bernard’s delivery van is the same vehicle that the suspects used in the robbery incident.
Bernadeth said Nucup and Galang were wearing complete Lazada uniforms when they were assaulted by the policemen.
She said the official company cellphone issued to his brother was missing.
Magalang Mayor Malou Lacson expressed her condolences to the Nucup family. She told SunStar Pampanga that the City Government and the local officials are willing to extend assistance to the family.
The Concepcion police earlier reported Nucup and Galang were among the three fleeing gunmen and that the third suspect was able to escape by running through the thick bush.
The gunmen were allegedly about to exit Concepcion when they were cornered by police operatives at Barangay Alfonso some 10 kilometers away around 11:00 a.m. on board a white Hi Ace van (ADJ 2035).
Superintendent Miguel Guzman, newly assigned Concepcion police chief, said in his report to Tarlac Police Provincial Director Senior Superintedent Ritchie Posada that the three were involved in the slaying of the Baquings and the wounding of two others -- Rustico Sevilla, 76, of Barangay Telebangca, and Marcelo Marcelo, 63, of Barangay Luisa, Magalang, at the Baquing residence.
Guzman also revealed that around 11:00 a.m., the three gunmen on board the Hi Ace Van were about to be flagged down by his men in Barangay Alfonso when one among them shot at the policemen manning the checkpoint.
After a brief gunfight, Nucup was critically hit and Galang was nabbed but their companion was able to run away, according to the police.
Nucup and Galang were allegedly identified by several witnesses, including the sons of Jaime Baquing who saw the suspects enter the house.
Guzman's report also stated that a .45 caliber pistol was recovered with six live ammunition.
Concepcion Mayor Andy Lacson urged his constituents to refrain from issuing speculations regarding the two incidents in San Nicolas Balas and Cope Alfonso.
In his Facebook post last Tuesday, Lacson stated that the local officials “have already established a firm collaboration with the proper authorities to continue conducting an in-depth and thorough investigation in order to solve the controversy and be able to identify the culprit of the incidents.”
“My extreme grief and sympathy to the victims and their family. Various speculations continue to arise regarding the issue and with all due respect, the municipal government would like to convey that are not resting any moment in searching for the truth and justice,” Lacson said.
He added that closed circuit television cameras will be reviewed to solve the cases.
The mayor of Concepcion also assured that the local government will release an official, truthful and just statement related to the two cases.
Bernadeth said they are contemplating on filing charges against the police officers responsible for the killing of her brother.
She said the interment was scheduled at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 20, at the Magalang Public Cemetery.