Nuezca, ex-cop in Tarlac fatal shooting, dies in NBP hospital

Dismissed Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca, who murdered two neighbors in Tarlac last December 2020, has died at the New Bilibid Prison Hospital, Bureau of Corrections spokesman Gabriel Chaclag said Wednesday.

"This is to confirm the reported death of PDL Joel M Nuezca," said Chaclag in a text message.

Nuezca was pronounced dead at 6:44 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Chaclag said.

The BuCor official said Nuezca was allegedly "brought unconscious" to the NBP hospital by his fellow inmates after the former policeman experienced dizziness.

"He was brought unconscious to the NBP Hospital by his cell mates at 6:30 PM yesterday (Nov 30,2021) while walking outside the dormitory purposely to go to the hospital after complaining of dizziness. But while walking, he collapsed," Chaclag wrote.

His cause of death is still unknown, Chaclag added.

"Investigation [is] ongoing to determine if there is foul play in the incident," said Chaclag.

Nuezca's death comes more than three months after a Tarlac court found him guilty of murdering his neighbors, mother and son Sonia and Frank Anthony Gregorio, due to an altercation over a "boga" explosion and right of way. 

The Paniqui, Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 106 sentenced Nuezca to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years in prison for each count of murder. Nuezca was also ordered to pay damages worth P952,560 to the Gregorio family.—LDF, GMA News