Sinas: Affidavits of minors who witnessed Tarlac shooting now with prosecutor

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas on Thursday said the minors who witnessed and captured the fatal shooting incident in Tarlac have already given their affidavits regarding the incident.

At the Laging Handa press briefing, Sinas said the mobile phone used to capture the incident is already in the hands of authorities. He is positive that the statements of the witnesses and the video itself will strengthen the case against Police Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca.

"Kahapon po pagkatapos po noong dumalaw ako doon ay binigay na po nang kusa ng may-ari 'yung cellphone niya at ngayon ay nasa cybercrime group na po. 'Yung dalawang bata po, 'yung 12-years-old at 16-years-old, ay nakuhaan na po ng consent, ng affidavit, kasama po ang mga magulang at guardians po nila," Sinas said.

"Nanotarize na po ito at binigay na po doon sa prosecutor. Ito ay lalong nagpapatibay sa kaso po namin," he added.

Sinas said he was able to convince the minors as well as their parents to help them in the case against the cop. In exchange, the police would ensure the security of the children and their families.

"Ako mismo ang nakiusap sa kanila, kinausap ko 'yung mga parents po at guardian ng dalawang bata na sana tulungan kami para mapalakas 'yung kaso," Sinas said.

"Nakumbinsi po namin 'yung mga parents po at saka 'yung mga bata na tutulungan po kami kapalit po sa pag-alaga po namin sa kuwan nila security," he added. 

Witnesses

Sinas said the witnesses were hesitant at first to testify against Nuezca. Asked if they are receiving threats, Sinas said: "Wala pong nananakot sa kanila."

The PNP chief also bared that the empty shells and slugs recovered in the crime scene matched the firearm that was surrendered by Nuezca when he turned himself in to authorities.

"Malakas po ang kaso kay Nuezca dahil may dalawa na pong eyewitness kasama doon plus of course 'yung baril kasi noong sumurrender siya, 'yung baril po ay nagmatch doon sa empty shells and slugs na narecover doon sa crime scene at saka 'yung forensic, 'yung sa kamay niya ay positibo po," he explained.

Earlier, Central Luzon police chief Police Brigadier General Valeriano de Leon told GMA News Online that authorities want to build an airtight case against Nuezca and that it will be better if witnesses, including the one who captured the video of the incident, will cooperate.

"'Yan 'yung challenges ng mga imbestigador on how to come-up with an airtight case so we can readily submit that kaya lang it would be better kung pati 'yung mga kumuha will also cooperate," De Leon said in a phone interview.

Nuezca fatally shot unarmed Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony in broad daylight during a heated argument over "boga" and right of way last Sunday.

The cop was indicted for two counts of murder and is under the custody of the Paniqui Municipal Police Station.

The PNP's Internal Affairs Service said it would resolve the administrative case against Nuezca within 30 days.

The cop, who had faced criminal and administrative cases before, appealed to authorities to provide assistance for his family. — RSJ, GMA News