Filtered By: Topstories
News

Nuezca trying to nab victim over 'boga'? Local police should've handled —Paniqui police


The chief of Paniqui Municipal Police Station on Tuesday said Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca, the cop involved in Paniqui, Tarlac fatal shooting incident, should have requested for backup when he was planning to arrest one of the victims during a confrontation last Sunday. 

In a television interview, Police Lieutenant Colonel Noriel Rombaoa was asked what Nuezca should have done as he was supposed to arrest Frank Anthony Gregorio during his heated argument with the latter and Sonya, the mother. 

Rombaoa said Nuezca should have contacted the local police in the area and let them handle the matter. 

"'Yun pong kay Gregorio dahil bawal po ang boga at nakainom siya, 'yun siguro 'yung naisip niya kaya iaaresto niya. 'Yun nga, hindi sumama. Dapat doon, ang action niya doon, tumawag siya sa police station for backup at kami 'yung nandito na PNP na naka-assign para kami 'yung magpatupad ng batas," Rombaoa told ANC. 

"Puwede naman naming kunin para puntahan at maimbestigahan kung ano ang nangyari talaga, at least maibigay nila 'yung both sides nila," Rombaoa added. 

Initial probe indicated that Nuezca went to the house of the victims after hearing an explosion caused by a "boga," an improvised cannon made of PVC pipes usually used during New Year celebrations.

The video, which has gone viral, showed that Sonya was hugging her son to prevent him from engaging with the police officer. Nuezca’s daughter, meanwhile, who was taking a video of the incident, shouted at the elderly Sonya by saying, “Just let go. My father is a policeman!”

The confrontation ended tragically as the unarmed mother and son died after Nuezca shot them in broad daylight. 

Nuezca, who is assigned at the Parañaque City Police's Crime Laboratory, surrendered to authorities. He also handed over his gun to the police. 

Philippine National Police chief Police General Debold Sinas has condemned the incident as he vowed that justice will be served for victims. The PNP chief, however, noted that the incident was an isolated case. 

The PNP's Internal Affairs Service was tasked to conduct a probe into the incident.

No special treatment

Meanwhile, Rombaoa assured the public that Nuezca would be treated similarly as other detainees are being treated. No special treatment will be given to him, he added. 

"Noong nakausap ko 'yung suspect, aminado siya sa ginawa niya and makikita mo 'yung pagsisisi sa mukha niya. So maski naman humingi siya ng, for example, humingi siya sa amin ng VIP treatment, hindi ho puwede sa amin 'yun," Rombaoa said. 

"Fair treatment lang po kami, the same with other persons deprived of liberty na nasa custody po namin," the policeman added. 

Rombaoa also agreed with the remark of Senator Panfilo Lacson that the police should use the full extent of the law in bringing justice for the victims. 

"Tama po 'yun, 'yung sinabi ng ating Senator Lacson, dapat no mercy talaga. Makikita niyo naman po 'yung nangyari sa insidente. Sino ba naman ang hindi magagalit doon sa nangyaring 'yun," he said. 

"Dapat kami sa PNP, kami 'yung protector sa community... to serve and protect nga kami..." he added. 

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered authorities to make sure Nuezca remains in jail.

In a briefing on Monday night, Duterte said Nuezca must be crazy, adding that the shooting incident was too brutal. —KG, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT