Representatives from Congress call for an investigation that would look into the tragic shooting incident wherein a police officer took the life of 52-year-old mother Sonya Gregorio and her 25-year-old son Frank Anthony in Paniqui, Tarlac.
The Makabayan bloc lawmakers have filed House Resolution 1445, which urges the Committee on Human Rights to condemn the mother and son’s killing and probe the continuing police brutality.
“The brazen killing of unarmed civilians Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony by an armed police officer highlights the continuing violence perpetrated by state armed forces against innocent civilians. There is a need to put a stop to police brutality enabled by the culture of impunity plaguing our country,” the resolution read.
The solons emphasized that the Tarlac shooting was not the first time that a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) killed unarmed civilians.
They cited the killing of retired military officer Winston Ragos who was shot by a cop after allegedly violating quarantine protocols. Ragos was suffering from a mental illness.
Solons call for probe on mother, son slay case
They also cited other cases of police brutality that were committed during the pandemic.
“It is imperative for members of Congress, as representatives of our people, defend the rights of our people and check on excesses and violations committed against them, especially in this time of crisis. Laws and rules should serve the interest of our people, and should not be weaponized to suppress their rights and oppress them,” Makabayan said.
Meanwhile, Marikina City Representative Stella Luz Quimbo said, “Congress must act now to determine what reforms are needed to ensure that PNP personnel are of sound body and mind in the performance of their duties. Congress must also assess whether it is time to prohibit policemen from carrying guns while off-duty, as how it is in other countries.”
“We cannot afford to lose more lives because of impunity in the system, or the policies which lend to unpreparedness or abuse by law enforcement officials, including the use of firearms while off duty. One death is one too many,” she added.