Witnesses in Gregorio killings may apply for protection —Guevarra

The witnesses in the killings of Sonya and Frank Anthony Gregorio in Paniqui, Tarlac may apply for protection with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Wednesday. 

The Gregorios were killed by Police Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca during a heated confrontation last Sunday. Nuezca, who is in police custody, faces charges for two counts of murder. 

Guevarra said the DOJ has not yet received any request for witness protection from the Philippine National Police. 

"But if the witnesses needed protection, they may apply directly with the DOJ WPP and we shall evaluate their application for provisional coverage immediately," he said. 

Nuezca has a history of criminal and administrative cases, including two for homicide in 2019. Both were dismissed for lack of evidence. Nuezca was also demoted one rank

Sunday's incident, which was caught on video and has since gone viral on social media, sparked outrage against the police, with critics saying it displayed a culture of violence allegedly encouraged by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte. 

Duterte said the killing was "unfair and brutal" and that he does not think Nuezca can escape the law.

"Topak... Ewan ko ba't nakalusot," Duterte said of the policeman.

"Pakainin niyo ng COVID ‘yung ulol na ‘yun," he added

The PNP claimed it was an isolated case. —KG, GMA News