Palace believes cop in fatal Tarlac shooting can’t invoke insanity to be exempt from criminal liability

December 22, 2020

Malacanang expressed belief on Tuesday that a cop who killed a mother and her son in Panique, Tarlac could not invoke insanity to be exempted from any criminal liability.

In a televised press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said for a suspect to invoke insanity, he should not be on his right frame of mind when he committed the act.

"But if he is conscious as to what is right and wrong and he still committed (the crime), he cannot invoke that (insanity)," said Roque, who is a lawyer by profession.

He also said there is a need to secure the services of expert witnesses to determine if the suspect was insane.

In the case of Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca, who was seen on a viral video shooting to death Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony Gregorio, Roque said it was seen that they were quarreling about the right of way.

"Perhaps he (Nuezca) knew that it was wrong to use a government(-issued) gun to kill his opponent in a property dispute. He can't use as a defense (insanity)," he explained.

Nuezca surrendered to the authorities after he killed the Gregorios last Sunday following an altercation with them.

President Rodrigo Duterte has assured that Nuezca could not post bail after he allegedly committed double murder cases.

He called Nuezca as crazy.

Roque said the video showing the deadly incident could be used as an evidence against the policeman after the videographer authenticates it. Celerina Monte/DMS