MANILA, Philippines — A local court in Tarlac has ordered police M/Sgt. Jonel Nuezca transferred to a facility run by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) as he awaits trial for the killing of a woman and her son in Paniqui, Tarlac.
The order was confirmed to journalists by officials of the Tarlac and Central Luzon police, who said Nuezca would be transferred to the BJMP facility in Paniqui within the day yesterday.
The BJMP facility is located 30 meters away from the Paniqui police station, where Nuezca has been detained since his surrender to the Rosales police station in Pangasinan.
“The commitment order was released at 2 p.m. He will be transferred to the custody of the BJMP Paniqui,” Col. Renante Cabico, Tarlac police director, said.
As of 5 p.m. yesterday, Nuezca was undergoing medical checkup including swab test.
Speed up dismissal
Nuezca will be dismissed from the service before the 30-day deadline set by the Philippine National Police (PNP) lapses next month.
PNP chief. Gen. Debold Sinas yesterday said he ordered the National Capital Region Police Office and the PNP-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to fast-track the dismissal proceedings.
Nuezca is facing double murder charges for killing his neighbors Sonya Gregorio, 52, and her son Frank Anthony, 25, during a quarrel in Paniqui on Dec. 20.
Footage of the killing showing Nuezca shooting the Gregorios at close range went viral on social media.
The killing occurred in front of the Gregorios’ relatives and neighbors including Nuezca’s teenage daughter, who was also taking footage of of the altercation in Barangay Cabayaosan.
“The NCRPO and the IAS is conducting this jointly. They are looking at where in the process they could expedite the dismissal. I assure the public that we will dismiss him before our 30-day deadline lapses,” Sinas told journalists during a press briefing.
The NCRPO is conducting the dismissal proceedings as Nuezca is assigned at the Parañaque City police crime laboratory.
The IAS handles the investigation of cases and complaints filed against erring police officers.
Although Sinas has ordered Nuezca’s salary cut, the case will follow the procedures set by the PNP.
“He is incarcerated but his dismissal should still go through the process. Investigation, pre-charge evaluation and summary hearing before his dismissal is recommended. This process is long and we are studying (how to expedite it),” Sinas said.
He said the PNP is planning to conduct a monthly anger management seminar for its officers to avoid a repeat of incidents like the Paniqui murder.
“The dismisal is a long process, but with Nuezca’s case we can speed up the results of the investigation,” Sinas said. – Ric Sapnu