A law enforcement officer resigned from his position as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province of Catanduanes after defending the action of Police SMSgt. Jonel Nuezca for the murder of unarmed neighbors.
The Facebook post of Bato, Catanduanes officer-in-charge Capt. Ariel Buraga about Nuezca’s killing of a mother and her son in Paniqui, Tarlac. He said it was the mother’s fault why they were killed because they have no respect for the police.
“May policy din po kasi tayo sa mga pulis na ‘wag gamitin ang social media sa mga opinyon na ‘di magbibigay ng hustisya para sa propesyonal na pagtanaw ng PNP sa isang usapin,” said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana.
PNP Bicol Chief PBGen Bartolome Bustamante has also confirmed the relief of Buraga after the victim-blaming of the slain mother and son.
This happened after Bato Mayor Juan Rodulfo asked Catanduanes Police Provincial Director PCol. On Monday, Brian Castillo replaced the chief of their town, especially because his statement on social media is said to be disturbing.
“Lesson learn[ed], kahit puti na ang buhok o ubanin na tayo eh matuto tayo rumispeto sa ating mga kapulisan… mahirap kalabanang pagtitimpi at pagpapasensya,” said Buraga, referring to slain 52-year-old Sonya Gregorio.
Catanduanes police chief sacked for blaming Tarlac shooting victims
In the video, Gregorio said the words “I don’t care,” which is in line with the Korean Pop group song 2NE1 when Nuezca’s daughter shouted, “My father is a policeman!” Elder Gregorio was then defending his son Frank Anthony Gregorio (25-years-old) from attempted arrest.
When netizens asked if those words were enough to shoot the old woman in the head, Buraga simply replied “opo [yes]” – though he later said the murder was still wrong.
It will be recalled that a “probable cause” has been found to charge Nuezca with two counts of murder by Tarlac City prosecutors. No bail is recommended for the culprit.
Nuezca is at risk of being disqualified from the public service if found guilty, something the authorities plan to resolve within 30 days.
Just last night, President Rodrigo Duterte and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said they would ensure justice for the victims.