DOJ to ensure justice done in police shooting of mother and son in Tarlac —Guevarra

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday said his department will ensure justice will be served in a policeman's shooting of a mother and son in Paniqui, Tarlac. 

"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. 

He said the prosecutor's office will immediately conduct a preliminary investigation once the local police files the appropriate complaint. 

"The DOJ will closely monitor developments in this case and ensure that justice is done," Guevarra said. 

Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca shot Sonya Rufino Gregorio and her son, Frank Anthony, on Sunday. The incident was caught on video. 

Nuezca had gone to the house of the victims after hearing an explosion caused by a "boga," an improvised cannon made of PVC pipes usually used during New Year celebrations. 

Police said Nuezca and the victims had a previous altercation regarding right of way and the issue resurfaced during the confrontation. The officer shot the victims twice each in the head. 

He surrendered to police in Rosales, Pangasinan hours after. 

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the incident was "plain, simple cold murder." He said it was an isolated case. —KG, GMA News