Año assures family of victims shot by police officer of swift, through investigation

December 21, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday assured the family of the victims shot by a police officer in Paniqui, Tarlac that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Police Commission (Napolcom) will conduct a thorough, impartial, and swift investigation.

In a statement, Año condemned the shooting incident.

He said Police Senior Master Sergeant Joniel Nuezca is now under the custody of the Tarlac Provincial Police Office after he surrendered hours after the incident.

“The DILG will ensure that justice will be given to the family of the victims and that administrative and criminal cases will be filed against Nuezca,” Año said.

“We do not and will never tolerate such acts and we will make sure that he will account for his crimes,” he added.

Año said he directed PNP chief Gen Debold Sinas to extend assistance to the family of the victims.

Año said what happened does not reflect on the entire police organization.

“This is an unfortunate but isolated incident. While there are unfortunate incidents like this, the vast majority of our PNP personnel perform their sworn duties everyday with honor and integrity to protect and serve the people,” he said.

“The sin of Nuezca is not the sin of the entire Philippine National Police,” he added.

Año reminded all police officers to remain calm at all times, to control their emotions, and to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their position as agents of the law. Ella Dionisio/DMS