FOLLOWING TARLAC SHOOTING

Rep. Alvarez dares Sinas to reform PNP or resign

Former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Monday challenged Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas to introduce reform the police force or else resign from his position.

Alvarez made the remark after a Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca killed 52-year-old Sonya Gregorio and her 25-year-old son Frank Anthony in the middle of a heated argument over "boga" and right of way in Paniqui, Tarlac on Sunday.

In a statement, Alvarez said that aside from holding Nuezca accountable for the killing, the PNP, as an institution, should review and reform what may have been wrong with it.

"Pursuant to this aim, let us also demand that command responsibility be implemented in our police force led by PNP Chief Debold Sinas. If the Chief cannot effectively lead PNP and guide its personnel towards serving and protecting the Filipino people, he should not be PNP Chief at all," the former speaker said.

"Failure of leadership is not acceptable. Lives are at risk. The credibility of the police force is in ruins. Reform the PNP or resign," he added.

Aside from Alvarez, other leaders of the House of Representatives, both former and current, also issued statements on the tragic incident.

Incumbent Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, for one, said Nuezca must not go unpunished for the killing of the Gregorio mother and son.

"It is our fervent hope that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are investigated thoroughly and that justice is ultimately served," he said.

Meanwhile, former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano urged authorities to consider a review of the psychological test for the possession of firearms, saying that many incidents of gun use have been due to rage.

Cayetano, however, is confident that Philippine National Police chief General Debold Sinas will take decisive action on the incident so as not to lose public confidence in the police, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nuezca had surrendered to authorities and was now indicted for double murder.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has said the DOJ will ensure justice will be served. — DVM, GMA News