Family mourns mother and son shot by cop over noise

Adrian Portugal, Reuters

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/12/22/philippines-crime.jpg"/><figcaption>Florentino Gregorio stands beside the coffin of his wife Sonia Gregorio, 52, who was shot along with their son, Frank Anthony Gregorio, 25, by an off-duty police officer following a confrontation in front of their house in Paniqui, Tarlac. December 22, 2020. <em>Lisa Marie David, Reuters</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>PANIQUI - Relatives of a woman and her son shot dead by an off-duty policeman in the Philippines called for justice at their wake on Tuesday amid public outrage over an incident that went viral on social media after it was caught on camera.</p><p>Sonia Gregorio, 52, and 25-year-old son Frank Gregorio, were shot in the head on Sunday after a row over noise, triggering accusations from activists that President Rodrigo Duterte&#x27;s war on drugs had created a culture of police impunity.</p><p>&quot;I lost a mother who was the most loving mother to us. I lost a brother who was also a very loving and caring brother. It&#x27;s very hard for us,&quot; said Tasha Delos Santos.</p><p>&quot;I hope our family gets justice.&quot;</p><p>Duterte on Monday condemned the Tarlac shooting and said he only defends police who do their duty, warning &quot;there will be a hell to pay&quot; for rogue officers.</p><p>In a video recorded on a family member&#x27;s mobile phone, policeman Jonel Nuezca was seen engaging in a heated argument with the Gregorios over the use of a homemade cannon in Tarlac province, north of Manila. The devices, which make a booming sound, are typically used to celebrate New Year.</p><p>When Sonya wrapped her arms around her son as the row intensified, Nuezca shot her in the head before doing the same to Frank. Before fleeing, Nuezca shot Sonya Gregorio again.</p><p>Nuezca surrendered to police that night and faces two counts of murder. The government has promised a thorough investigation.</p><p>&quot;They weren&#x27;t criminals, they were the nicest family here,&quot; said neighbor Gonyong Liwanag.</p><p>Critics and rights groups say Duterte&#x27;s talk of killing criminals and promises to protect law enforcement have emboldened police to commit and cover up murder. Police reject that.</p><p>Government data show that 5,942 suspected drug dealers have been killed by police since 2016. Rights group say that number is an understatement and accuse police of summarily executing users and pushers. Police say those killed had resisted arrest.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oxAgzdPbpkY?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><div> </div>

<p> Relatives of a woman and her son shot dead by an off-duty policeman in the Philippines called for justice at their wake on Tuesday amid public outrage over an incident that went viral on social media after it was caught on camera.</p>

Relatives of a woman and her son shot dead by an off-duty policeman in the Philippines called for justice at their wake on Tuesday amid public outrage over an incident that went viral on social media after it was caught on camera.

Family mourns mother and son shot by cop over noise | ABS-CBN

Entertainment

News

Metro.Style

Sports

More

News

Family mourns mother and son shot by cop over noise

Family mourns mother and son shot by cop over noise

Adrian Portugal,

Reuters

Published Dec 23, 2020 12:16 AM PHT

Read More:

pnp

regional news

impunity

police

tarlac

paniqui

Sonia Gregorio

Frank Gregorio

Jonel Nuezca

crime

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2024 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Advertise with Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

© 2024 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.