Police Staff Sgt. Jonel Nuezca, the controversial policeman in the viral video showing how he shot a mother and son in Paniqui, Tarlac, pleaded not guilty on two counts of murder that were filed against him.
Police Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, director of Police Regional Office 3, said Nuezca entered the plea during the arraignment and pre-trial of the murder charge at the sala of Judge Stella Marie Gandia-Asuncion of the Paniqui Regional Trial Court Branch 106 last Jan. 7.
De Leon said Nuezca was assisted by his lawyer from the Public Attorney's Office.
Netizens were quick to post expressions of disbelief on Nuezca’s plea, citing as strong evidence the video that went viral on social media which showed he shot at close range 52-year-old Sonya Gregorio and her 25-year-old son.
In the video, Nuezca was seen shooting Sonya in the head first a few seconds after Sonya shouted back at his daughter who earlier confronted and yelled at her. Nuezca was then seen shooting Sonya’s son in the head before pumping another bullet into her head when she fell down.
Nuezca admitted to shooting the two Gregorios to death when he was confronted by De Leon after his surrender.
He is also facing a separate administrative case, with Philippine National Police chief Police Gen. Debold Sinas assuring the public that the police sergeant would be dismissed within one month.
Nuezca, it was learned, has already submitted a position paper on the administrative charges leveled against him before the PNP Internal Affairs Service.
De Leon said the next hearing is scheduled on Feb. 4.