Phones of videographers in fatal Tarlac shooting now with PNP – Sinas

December 25, 2020

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said they already have the cellphones of the witnesses who took the video of the shooting incident in Paniqui, Tarlac involving a police officer.

During the "Laging Handa" public briefing, General Debold Sinas said the videos which circulated on social media is owned by two minors.

Sinas said the videos were owned by a 12-year-old and 16-year-old who are relatives of the victims.

“According to our law, we cannot use the video as evidence if we cannot also show the owners of video. The owner of the video, cellphone or machine should testify that he is the one who filmed it,” Sinas said.

“I personally talked to them and to the parents and guardian of the two kids hoping they will help us strengthen the case. So we convinced the parents and children and assured them that they will be provided with security,” he added.

Sinas said they will apply the two children under the government's witness protection program.

“After my visit they gave their cellphone to (Anti-) Cybercrime Group. We also got the consent and the affidavits of the two children together with their parents,” he said.

“This is what we did to strengthen the case and make the cop held liable… Our case is now what they called airtight,” he said.

The PNP chief said he also talked to the local government officials of Paniqui, Tarlac to provide social intervention on the minors who witnessed the incident.

Sinas said the daughter of Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca also received help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

After he was criticized, Sinas clarified that he is not saying that taking videos of incident or crime scenes is prohibited but he is telling the public to be careful and think about their safety first.

“I did not say they should not (capture it) but it is better that they think of their safety,” he said.

Sinas said during his visit in Paniqui, he asked the minor who took the video why he did not escape from the area.

“(The child) said he was shaking, he cannot move because of his fear… Thankful that the suspect did not attack and get the video from him,” he said.

“So that is what we are trying to say, don’t sacrifice your safety,” he added.

Last Sunday, Nuezca shot dead his two neighbors after they had a heated argument.

The suspect escaped but later on surrendered in a police station in Pangasinan.

He is currently under the custody of Paniqui Municipal Police Station facing double counts of murder. Ella Dionisio/DMS