Convicted Murderer Jonel Nuezca dies in New Bilibid Prison, Causes Unknown

Ex-cop Jonel Nuezca, convicted of double murder for mercilessly shooting Sonya Gregorio and her son, Frank Gregorio, dies in prison, as confirmed by Bureau of Corrections Spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag.

According to Chaclag, Jonel Nuezca was pronounced dead after he was brought to Bilibid Hospital by his cell mates at around 6:30 pm on November 30. Nuezca was said to have collapsed on the floor while walking outside his dormitory. Investigation for possible foul play is instituted by authorities, subjecting the deceased’s remains to autopsy.

Three months have passed since Jonel Nuezca was meted with a penalty of reclusion perpetua for each conviction of murder by Regional Trial Court Branch 106 of Paniqui, Tarlac. Crucial to his conviction of two counts of murder was a video capturing Nuezca shooting to death Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Gregoria over a “boga.” The video went viral on social media immediately after the shootout in December 2020.

Jonel Nuezca is not a lone case of death with unknown and mysterious causes in prison at the time of Covid-19. An investigation by Rappler revealed a high number of deaths in the insurgency of the pandemic. The Department of Justice announced its own investigation on the matter.