AN INCIDENT of brazen police brutality has galvanized the citizenry, as a video of police sergeant Jonel Nuezca shooting a mother and child in Paniqui, Tarlac went viral on social media.
The murder of Sonya and Frank Gregorio happened yesterday, December 20, and became the heated news topic of the day as Filipinos came face to face with a blatant display of impunity, abuse, and other human rights violations by people in power.
Early Monday morning, all social media platforms were filled with netizen's outrage and battle cries with the hashtags #StopTheKillingsPH, #PulisAngTerrorista, #EndPoliceBrutality, #JusticeforSonyaGregorio, and #OUSTDUTERTENOW. The hashtags occupied the top five Philippine trends on Twitter, while related phrases also trended.
Athletes, coaches, and sportsmen also used their voices on social media platforms to speak up about the issue.
Gabe Norwood
The always outspoken Rain or Shine sniper spread the word through his Instagram Stories, dedicating a single post with the hashtags #JusticeForSonyaGregorio and #JusticeForFrankGregorio, and stamping it with a broken heart emoji.
Javee Mocon
Teammate Javee Mocon reposted a news outlet's social card about the issue, adding angry emojis.
Thirdy Ravena
From Japan, former King Eagle Thirdy Ravena joined in the online outrage at the killings, reposting infographics relating to the issue on his IG Stories.
Jai Reyes
The Nueva Ecija guard in the MPBL tweeted his disbelief at the act.
Juan Gomez de Liano, Kathy Bersola, Kobe Paras
Athletes from the University of the Philippines also used their social media accounts to speak out on the issue to their numerous followers. Paras retweeted a viral post tackling the issue while de Liano shared social cards on his IG stories.
"Ganito ba 'yung 'to serve and protect'? 'Wag niyo kong simulan sa 'isolated case yan' o 'walang kinalaman presidente diyan'," Bersola said in a pair of Instagram Stories. "You may not be the one pulling the trigger, but if you're one of those who turn a blind eye/tolerate/enable [then what's the difference?]."
Dani Ravena, Christiana Dimaunahan, Tyler Tio, Shaun Ildefonso
These other collegiate stars also weighed in.
"Just ain't right," Tio wrote as he reposted a infographic from CNN Philippines.
Ge Tabaquero, Ara Galang, Jheck Dionela
Professional volleyball players also did not remain silent about the issue.
Coach TY Tang
The College of Saint Benilde mentor posted an artwork with the words "Stop the Killings" on his IG Stories.
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