Nuezca likely died of heart attack – BuCor

MANILA, Philippines — The body of dismissed police officer Jonel Nuezca, who murdered a woman and her son in Tarlac last year, will undergo autopsy to determine the cause of his death at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said yesterday.

Based on initial findings, BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag said Nuezca could have died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday night.

“Initial findings by the facility’s medical personnel point to cardiac infarction, which means he likely died of a heart attack,” Chaclag said in an interview on dzBB.

Chaclag said the National Bureau of Investigation has yet to conduct an autopsy on Nuezca as they are still waiting for his family’s consent.

He said they expect the autopsy results within the week.

“To rule out foul play and allegations that he was killed, we want an immediate resolution of this case. Gusto namin matapos ang final investigation report at mailabas sa publiko kasi alam namin public interest ito,” Chaclag said.

According to the BuCor’s medical personnel, Nuezca did not bear any bruises or injuries.

Nuezca was pronounced dead at the NBP Hospital where he was brought unconscious by his cellmates on Tuesday night.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the BuCor has yet to submit its investigation report on the cause of Nuezca’s death.

The former policeman’s remains are at the Eastern Funeral Parlor in Muntinlupa.

Nuezca died three months after he was convicted for the murder of Sonia Gregorio, 52, and her 25-year-old son Frank Anthony following an argument over the use of boga or an improvised firecracker on Dec. 20 last year.

A Tarlac court sentenced Nuezca to life in prison on Aug. 26.