Diocese of Tarlac condemns killing of mother, son in Paniqui town

Published December 22, 2020 05:38 PM By ERWIN COLCOL, GMA News

The Diocese of Tarlac has condemned the killing of Sonya and Frank Anthony Gregorio by Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca in Paniqui town a few days before Christmas.

In a statement issued on Monday, Tarlac Bishop Enrique Macaraeg expressed dismay that the killings took place "during these holy days preparing for Christmas" which "makes us bow in shame, guilt, and shock."

"Murder is wrong any way we look at it. Killing is a sin against God and against humanity. Murder is not only a sin against the killed and their families. It is both a sin and crime that cries out to heaven," he said.

"Our faith assures us that this cry will reach the ears of God. There is no escaping from the justice of God, even if sometimes justice on earth is hard to find," he added.

Sonya and Frank Anthony were killed on Sunday in the middle of an argument with Nuezca over "boga" and right of way.

Nuezca shot Sonya and Frank Anthony

twice in the head before fleeing from the crime scene. He later surrendered to fellow police officers in Rosales, Pangasinan and was brought back to Paniqui, Tarlac.

A video footage of the incident has gone viral on social media, but Macaraeg noted that similar killings happen around without a video to record them.

"Whether ousted on social media or done hidden without a witness, killing is a sin. God sees all these killings. There is no escape from God's punishment. Killing is wrong. Murder is evil," he said.

Macaraeg has tasked Caritas Tarlac, the social arm of the Diocese of Tarlac to provide assistance to the Gregorio family.

"I invite our brothers and sisters to pray for the eternal repose of the souls of Sonya and her son Frank Anthony," he added.

Nuezca is indicted for two counts of murder.

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

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