PNP chief assures security for family of victims, witnesses in Tarlac murders

Florentino Gregorio, 53, mourns the deaths of his wife and son, who were shot at close range by policeman Jonel Nuezca in Paniqui, Tarlac. The wake for the mother-and-son is being held at the family residence in the town. ADELAIDA CALAYAG

PANIQUI, Tarlac–Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Tuesday (Dec. 22) assured the family of a woman and her son shot here by a policeman, including witnesses, of security.

In an interview with reporters here, Sinas said he would visit the wake of the victims and talk to the family members to assure them that security measures were in place to protect them.

He said witnesses to the crime would be endorsed for enrolment in the government’s witness protection program.

MSgt. Jonel Nuezca, who was caught on video, remained in the custody of the Paniqui municipal police station. He was already indicted for double murders for the killings of Sonya Rufino Gregorio, 52 and Frank Anthony Rufino Gregorio, 25.

Sinas said he instructed the town police chief to try to talk with Nuezca and videotape “if he will confess” to what really happened according to the suspect’s “point of view.”

“So we would understand. Somehow he was also a policeman so we would better understand what happened,” Sinas said in Filipino.

He said Nuezca already surrendered and “regrets and confessed.” “If he is willing to be interviewed, but if he doesn’t then no more. Anyway, the case against him is very strong already,” Sinas added.

TSB