by Mark Kirchner Estrada │
It has been around one week since Jonel Montales Nuezca, a cop, shot two unarmed civilians, Sonya and Frank Gregorio, after a heated argument. Videos of the incident rapidly spread throughout social media and caused immense outrage towards the perpetrator, the law enforcement, and the Duterte administration. Additionally, although the said law enforcer did the murders and is now waiting for his sentence, his 13-year-old daughter, Elisha Nuezca, has also become the center of conversations. While some argue that the daughter “enticed” her father into committing the act, others point out that her behavior was a product of bad upbringing and that she should not be held accountable. It is clear that she has been one of the many young faces that have to see right before her eyes a case of police impunity and abuse of power.
Although the government placed the issue as an isolated case due to the said enforcer's records of homicide and the probability of mental illness, it does seem to connect to the administration's history of giving questionable liberties to the law enforcement, especially during the ongoing period of the drug war in the nation. There is still police impunity before Duterte's administration, yet the fact that the president's stance of giving indeterminable power to the law enforcement creates an issue of unchecked balance of right and justice. The Philippine constitution does not allow privileges, regardless of status, yet many administrations have exploited the law for gain and power, especially that the police seemingly have the authority to control instead of enforcing the law. In this situation, Elisha is clearly not the murderer, yet her upbringing caused her to believe that her father is above the authority to control and choose justice on their own terms - a belief that the administration itself has fueled.
Duterte's administration should consider this as a sign that there should be a balance in giving authority and liberty to law enforcement so that there must be integrity in enforcing law and order, even if it is an isolated case. Requiring officers to have body cameras, not allowing off-duty personnel to carry arms, and proper training of integrity and safety can improve the image of transparency and justice. The generation, especially the youth, lost their faith and respect for the police and the government as countless injustices occurred throughout Duterte's term, from the bloody drug war to the radical actions of keeping order. People like Elisha Nuezca should not be punished, but be given time to change their perspectives, as they are also the victims of an upbringing and an environment that encourages violence. This generation's front is difficult, as power is unchecked and unbalanced, yet no authority can control the people's right to have the justice that they deserve.
(Photos from The Official Gazette of the Philippines)
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