Former police officer Jonel Nuezca, who was convicted of killing Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Anthony in Tarlac, has died, according to a Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) official.
According to BuCor Spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag, Nuezca was taken to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) hospital around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. after collapsing while strolling outside his dormitory, by his cellmates
He was confirmed dead at 6:44 p.m. on November 30, according to Chaclag. He also stated that the reason for death was unknown and that his body will be autopsied.
“Investigation ongoing to determine if there is foul play in the incident,” the BuCor spokesperson added.
Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco said they have already asked BuCor for a copy of their investigation report.
“Per Assistant Secretary Gabriel Chaclag, they are already looking into it. I asked to be given a copy of the report of their investigation,” Marco told reporters that the autopsy will be handled by the National Bureau of Investigation.
Nuezca, who used to work at the Paranaque City police crime laboratory, murdered his neighbours Sonia and Frank Anthony Gregorio on December 20, last year, following a heated argument over the use of a homemade cannon.
The incident was captured on video and went viral on social media, and Nuezca’s daughter witnessed it firsthand.
In the footage, Sonia can be seen throwing her arms around her son as the argument escalates, before Nuezca shoots her in the head and then Frank. Nuezca shot the mother twice before leaving.
The incident received worldwide outrage, with some politicians asking for reforms in the Philippine National Police and netizens appealing with police to put an end to the killings.