If a Mindanao congressman would have his way, he would ensure that Police Staff Sergeant Jonel Nuezca gets to face the "full force of the law" instead of a "quick end."
"Hindi dapat mamatay ang pulis na iyan na pumatay sa mag-inang Gregorio habang nasa kustodiya ng mga pulis. (The policeman who killed the Gregorios must not die while he is in the custody of police)," Iligan City lone district Rep. Frederick Siao said in a statement.
"A quick death would be unfair to the victims and their grieving families and friends. The killer cop must be swiftly prosecuted and stand trial. That murderer must endure the full force of the law," said Siao.
The congressman gave these remarks amid the proposal of some senators to bring back death penalty following the gruesome shooting incident in Paniqui, Tarlac last Sunday wherein Nuezca killed a mother and his son.
The victims, Sonya Gregorio, 52, and her son Frank Anthony Gregorio, 25, were shot twice in the head with a handgun in broad daylight and right in front of several onlookers. The Gregorios apparently irked Nuezca, their neighbor, over the use of boga--a harmless, improvised cannon usually used during holiday revelry.
READ MORE: Cop in viral Tarlac shooting surrenders
Nuezca, 46, has since surrendered to authorities. He is facing charges of double murder.
The death penalty or capital punishment was lifted in 2006 via Republic Act (RA) 9346, signed by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
"Hindi rin dapat ma-areglo, i-daan sa pera or pakiusapan, o pressure ang murder case na ito. (This murder case must not get settled via payment of money, negotiation, or pressure). The victims and their families deserve justice," Siao stressed.
The lawmaker also said that several questions must be asked regarding the shocking incident, which was caught on video.
"Where were the local police and barangay tanod when the incident was in progress? Could the tension have been diffused thereby keeping the situation from escalating?" he wondered.