The remains of mother and son Sonia and Frank Gregorio were laid to rest in Paniqui, Tarlac this Sunday morning, a week after they were killed by a police neighbor.
Friends and family supporters ignored the rain and even the threat of COVID-19 to attend the funeral.
The Central Luzon police cooperated with the barangay personnel in the town to ensure that the burial for the mother and son was held safely and properly.
Last Sunday, Police Staff Sgt. Jonel Nuezca shot dead Sonia and Frank during a heated argument in their neighborhood.
He is now in jail and facing charges of 2 counts of murder, and dismissal from service.
According to relative Avelina San Jose, the family has forgiven Nuezca but he should still be held accountable for the death of the mother and son victims.
“Ang ano namin magkaroon ng justice. Napatawad na po namin siya. Patawarin natin ang tao pero may justice, mayroon po tayong batas, managot po siya sa mata ng Diyos, managot siya sa mata ng tao,” said San Jose.
The family still managed to thank the police.
“Hindi ako galit. Kinagagalitan ko lang po ‘yong mga taliwas na ginagawa ng iba nating mga kababayan na PNP (Philippine National Police),” said San Jose.
Mother and son shot by cop in Tarlac laid to rest
“May talagang ilang bulok na kasali sa hanay ng PNP. Hindi dapat i-blame ang buong organisasyon ng PNP,” said Col. Narciso Domingo, deputy director for administration of the Central Luzon police.
A court order is still pending to finally turn over Nuezca’s custody to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
According to the PNP, 7 witnesses were able to give the sworn statement while psychological assistance continued to all those who witnessed the crime, including 8 minors.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) confirmed Wednesday that policeman Jonel Nuezca was demoted last October over an extortion case he faced in 2014.
According to Napolcom Legal Affairs Service chief Chito Bustonera, Nuezca was found guilty of grave misconduct after it was proven he extorted money from two individuals he arrested in 2014.
Before his demotion, Nuezca also faced administrative charges for refusing to undergo a drug test.