The Department of Justice (DOJ) is ready to place under its Witness Protection Program (WPP) those who witnessed the shooting of a woman and her son in Tarlac, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra assured on Wednesday, Dec. 23.
(TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
At the moment, Guevarra said no requests have been made yet seeking protection as witnesses in the killing of Sonia Gregorio, 53, and her son Frank Anthony, 25.
“We have not yet received any communications from the PNP (Philippine National Police),” the secretary said.
“But if the witnesses need protection, they may apply directly with the DOJ WPP and we shall evaluate their application for provisional coverage immediately,” he assured.
Sonia and Frank were shot dead by Police Staff Sgt. Sergeant Jonel Nuezca during an altercation in their neighborhood in Barangay Cabayaosan in Paniqui, Tarlac at around 4:30 p.m. last Sunday, Dec. 21.
The incident was caught on video that went viral in social media.
Nuezca was subjected to inquest proceedings before the Tarlac Provincial Prosecutor’s Office following his surrender at the Rosales Municipal Police Station in Pangasinan at around 6:20 p.m. that Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Tarlac Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has filed two counts of murder before the Paniqui Regional Trial Court (RTC) against Nuezca with no bail recommended.
“Upon determination of the validity of respondent’s arrest, the inquest proceeding ensued. Based on the affidavits and supporting documents and evidence submitted, there is probable cause to charge the respondent for two counts of Murder,” read the resolution signed by Tarlac Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Manuel Pascua Jr.
The case is now with Paniqui RTC Branch 67.