Cops want to use original video of Paniqui shooting as evidence but witnesses hesitant to testify

Philippine National Police chief General Debold Sinas said authorities would try to submit the original video of the fatal shooting of an unarmed woman and her son in Paniqui, Tarlac by a policeman as evidence in court.

The problem, however, is some of the witnesses in the killing of Sonya and Frank Anthony Gregorio by Police Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca, including the one who took the now viral video, seemed hesitant to testify in court, according to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

“Kakausapin pa namin ‘yong ibang witness doon sa video kasi ‘yong sa video ay gagawan namin ng paraan na sana i-accept ‘yon as evidence so ‘pag na-accept ‘yon as evidence, malakas talaga ‘yong kaso against kay Nuezca,” Sinas said.

“Kasi sa ngayon hindi pa ‘yon na-offer as evidence dahil ‘yong kumuha at tsaka may-ari ng video ay parang alanganin pa,” he added.

Nuezca shot dead Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony in broad daylight after they had a heated argument over the weekend.

Nuezca surrendered to the authorities and has been indicted for two counts of murder.

The cop is no stranger to administrative cases as he faced grave misconduct (homicide) cases in May and December 2019. Both charges, however, were dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence.

Meanwhile, the minors who witnessed the fatal shooting will undergo psychosocial intervention and counseling.

“Sila po ay na-trauma at nagkaroon ng kalungkutan,” Paniqui Mayor Leonardo Roxas said. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News