Sinas orders probers to place witnesses in Paniqui shooting under WPP

December 23, 2020

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Debold Sinas on Tuesday said he directed investigators to apply all witnesses in the shooting of a police officer to  a mother and her son in Paniqui, Tarlac into the government’s witness protection program (WPP).

Sinas went to Paniqui to attend the wake of Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony, who were shot by Police Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca. A video of the incident circulated on social media, sparking outrage.

“We encouraged the investigators to apply all witness in WPP so we will be coordinating with the DOJ (Department of Justice) and they might consider it because of the gravity of the offense (which is) double murder and how it was done,” Sinas said in an interview with reporters in Tarlac.

Sinas said he also instructed the PNP Legal Service to seek the consent from the one who captured the video of the shooting which circulated online so they can use it as evidence.

“We will make representations for the witnesses, especially the one who owns the cellphone to ask for consent if we can use the video as evidence because you know the provisions. If they did not give consent and it is not the original cellphone that captured the video, we cannot use it in court,” he said.

Sinas said they cannot just use the videos which circulated online as evidence in court.

Last Monday, Sinas reminded the public to be careful in capturing videos and photos of quarrels.

“I will not advise (taking photos) because that is very tricky… If I may suggest, if there are such incidents, we just witness and not interfere if the suspect is armed and dangerous because if you get involved then you might also be in danger,” he said.

“As to the taking of the picture, if you are distant and safe, that is better. That will help us better solve the crime but you still need to be careful,” he added.

Sinas said the PNP will provide assistance to the Gregorio family.

“There is no such thing as 100 percent proof of security measures but we could assure them that we did not tolerate (the suspect’s action),” he said.

Sinas said they will also provide assistance to the family of Nuezca even though they left Tarlac and went to their hometown in Pangasinan. Ella Dionisio/DMS