By Adrian Portugal
PANIQUI, Philippines, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Hundreds attended
the funeral on Sunday of a woman and her son shot dead by an
off-duty policeman in the Philippines, a week after a video of
the incident went viral on social media, sparking public outrage
over police brutality.
Members of the public joined as relatives and friends in
Tarlac province, north of Manila, paid their final respects to
Sonya Gregorio, 52, and her 25-year old son Frank Gregorio, who
were shot in the head after a row over noise.
The shooting, which was recorded on a mobile phone by a
member of the Gregorio family, triggered accusations from
critics and human rights activists that President Rodrigo
Duterte's war on drugs had created a culture of police impunity.
Policeman Jonel Nuezca was seen in the video engaged in a
heated argument with the Gregorios over the use of a homemade
noise-making device typically used to celebrate New Year, before
he shot the mother and her son.
Nuezca surrendered to police on the night of the incident
and faces two counts of murder. The government has promised a
thorough investigation.
The victims' family has forgiven Nuezca but is still
demanding justice, said Avelina San Jose, a relative of the
Gregorios. "He should face the consequences of the law", she
said.
Duterte, who has talked of killing criminals and issued
promises to protect law enforcement while waging a war on drugs
and crime, has condemned the shooting and warned "There will be
hell to pay" for rogue officers.