Police chief in Bicol bashed online for comments on Tarlac killings

The chief of police of Bato town in Catanduanes has drawn widespread criticism online after he posted a commentary on a policeman's killing of an unarmed mother and son in Paniqui, Tarlac  over the weekend.

In an Facebook post that has since been deleted, Police Captain Ariel Buraga said individuals should learn to respect police officers.

"Lesson learn kahit puti na ang buhok o ubanin na tayo eh matuto tayo rumespeto sa ating mga kapulisan. Mahirap kalaban ang pagtitimpi at pagpapasensya," Buraga said in his post. "RIP Nanay and Totoy."

Philippine National Police spokesman Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said "any individual reaction from a police officer is not viewed as speaking for the position of the organization in public discourses."

Usana said the PNP also has a standing policy on the use of social media by police officers.

He reiterated that PNP chief General Debold Sinas already ensured that justice will be served for the victims.

A video, which has gone viral, caught the shooting incident that killed Sonya Rufino Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony Rufino Gregorio in Barangay Cabayaoasan.

The policeman who shot them was identified as Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca.

Initial investigation revealed that Nuezca and the victims had an altercation regarding right of way before the shooting incident took place.

Sonya was seen in the video hugging her son Frank Anthony in an attempt to stop the latter from facing the policeman. Unfortunately, the incident still ended tragically as the mother and son died.

Not blaming the victims

Asked for reaction on the negative comments regarding his remark, Buraga clarified that his post was not meant to blame the victims. He explained that he just pointed out that if there is respect on that instance, it will not lead to a fatal shooting incident.

"Hindi ko sinisisi 'yung mag-ina doon. Ang point ko doon is kawalan ng respeto kaya umabot sa ganoong punto, siguro kung may respeto sila sa bawat isa, hindi siguro hahantong sa ganoong pangyayari," Buraga said in a phone interview with GMA News Online.

"Kung nagkaroon ng respeto sa pangyayaring 'yun, hindi natin alam kung ano ang kuwento doon sa pangyayaring 'yun. Ang nakikita ko lang kasi sa time na 'yun, sa scenario na 'yun, 'yung kawalan ng respeto sa pulis. Sila magkakapit-bahay sila doon alam nila pulis 'yung ano na 'yun..." he added.

Buraga said he is condemning the action of Nuezca.

"Wala naman akong malisya sa aking post doon. Hindi ko sinasabing tama 'yung ginawa ng pulis doon, kinocondemn ko talaga 'yung pulis sa ginawa niya. Mali naman talaga 'yung pulis doon," Buraga said.

When asked what actions of the victims were supposedly rude, he claimed that Frank Anthony was unruly.

"'Yung lalaki diba 'yung nakahubad, inaawat na nga sila noong pulis, gusto pa rin niyang magwala. Sinasabihan 'yung pulis na 'porket may baril ka...'" Buraga said.

He said Sonya's response to the girl in the video could have also triggered the policeman to shoot them.

Buraga, however, admitted that policemen were trained to control their temper, especially in this kind of situation.

Buraga said he was already ordered by the Bicol police to explain within 24 hours.

Asked if he will apologize over his statement, Buraga said: "No, wala naman akong malisyang intensyon." -NB, GMA News