The reported death in prison of ex-policeman Jonel Nuezca could be a "show" so that he could walk free, said ther family of an elderly mother and son whom he shot dead in broad daylight last year.
The Bureau of Corrections said Tuesday Nuezca died at the New Bilibid Prisons and was brought to the hospital unconscious. His cause of death was not immediately known.
In front of his daughter, Nuezca shot Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank in Tarlac province following an argument over land. The incident was caught on video and went viral, reigniting conversations on police brutality.
Sonya's son, Mark, said he and his father were not convinced that Nuezca died in prison despite photos and reports from authorities.
"Kaya naman po ako hindi naniniwala kasi siyempre po, puwede po kasing maging palabas lang po 'yan e, puwede naman po kasing napepeke ang death certificate o kaya palabasin na siya 'yung bangkay pero ibang bangkay," Mark Gregorio told TeleRadyo.
"'Di ko maiiwasan na mag-isip ng ganun kasi po siyempre po pulis po siya, kumbaga maraming paraan para makalaya siya," he said.
Mark said he found out about Nuezca's death when a reporter called to ask for his reaction to the news.
"Nabigla nga po ako sa balita. Ang unang reaksyon ko po talaga is hindi po ako naniniwala, kahit po sabihin na may picture daw po, nabalita na sa TV. Kahit po si papa hindi po kasi naniniwala."
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Mark said he and his father had long forgiven Nuezca for shooting his brother and mother but said he should face the consequences of his actions.
The dismissed police officer was convicted in August for two counts of murder and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or jail time of up to 40 years. He was also ordered to pay P476,280 in damages for each murder count or a total of P952,560 in damages.
"May nakausap nga po ako na attorney na kailangan daw talaga nila magbayad. Kung namatay man si Nuezca, kailangan daw po nila magbayad talaga ng civil indemnity," Mark said.
"Kung namatay na po talaga siya, condolence po sa pamilya ni Sir Jonel Nuezca. Sa ngayon pinagpapasadiyos na lang po namin ang lahat."