The former police personnel who killed a mother and a son in Tarlac last December has been sentenced to reclusion perpetua after he was found guilty for two counts of murder.
Ex-Staff Sergeant Jonel Nuezca was already dismissed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) due to the fatal shooting of Frank and Sonia Gregorio, an incident that was recorded by witnesses.
The decision of Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 106 Judge Stela Marie Asuncion sentenced Nuezca to 40 years imprisonment for each murder count, and ordered him to pay over P900,000.
The PNP has welcomed the court’s decision, saying that the justice system works in the country.
“Naipakita dito na umiiral ang hustisya sa ating bansa, at kailanman ay hindi kinukunsinti ng inyong Philippine National Police ang mga ganitong uri ng pulis,” PNP Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said.
Florentino Gregorio, the father of the victims’ household, said in an interview with PTV they are thankful for the development in the case.
“Napatawad na namin po siya. Kaya lang, talagang mayroon siyang pag-aanuhan sa hustisya, talagang kailangan hanggang ngayon pagdusahan niya yung ginawa niya doon sa aking dalawang pamilya na nawala,” he said.
“Nakita ko po si Nuezca, talagang pumayat siya at saka medyo parang na-stress siya,at umiiyak po siya,” he added.
The Gregorio family thanked those who supported them in the case, while their legal team expressed gratitude on the fast issuance of a verdict through the help also of the video recording evidence.
Atty. Roland Inting said this is the fastest heinous crime case that has been resolved in his 43 years of practice.
“Hindi na kami nahirapang patunayan pa ‘yung the commission of the crime. Malaking bagay po ‘yun. At saka syempre po ang pinaka-malaking factor diyan is of course ‘yung judge,” Atty. Freddie Villamor, another legal counsel of the family, said.
“Hindi niya pinabayaang magkaroon ng delay, napaka-istrikto ng judge pagdating sa pagpapatuloy ng trial,” he added. – Report from Patrick de Jesus/AG-rir
Watch full report here:
