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PANIQUI: Relatives of a woman and her son shot to death by an off-duty police officer in the Philippines called for justice at his wake on Tuesday amid public outrage over an incident that went viral on social media after it was caught by the camera.
Sonya Gregorio, 52, and her 25-year-old son, Frank Gregorio, were shot in the head Sunday after a noise fight, prompting accusations from activists that President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war had created a culture of police impunity.
“I lost a mother who was the most loving mother to us. I lost a brother who was also a very loving and caring brother. It’s very difficult for us, ”said Tasha Delos Santos.
“I hope our family receives justice.”
Duterte condemned the Tarlac shooting on Monday, saying he only defends police officers who do their duty, warning there will be “hell to pay” for rogue officers.
In a video recorded on a family member’s mobile phone, police officer Jonel Nuezca was seen in a heated discussion with the Gregorio family about the use of a homemade cannon in Tarlac province, north of Manila.
The devices, which emit a booming sound, are typically used to celebrate the New Year.
When Sonya wrapped her arms around her son as the fight escalated, Nuezca shot him in the head before doing the same to Frank.
Before fleeing, Nuezca shot again at Sonya Gregorio.
Nuezca turned himself in to police that night and faces two counts of murder.
The government has promised a thorough investigation.
“They weren’t criminals, they were the nicest family here,” said neighbor Gonyong Liwanag.
Critics and rights groups say Duterte’s discourse of killing criminals and promises to protect law enforcement have emboldened police to commit and cover up killings.
The police reject it.
Government data shows that 5,942 suspected drug traffickers have been killed by police since 2016.
The rights group says the number is a euphemism and accuses the police of summarily executing users and traffickers.
Police say the dead resisted arrest.
