Execution-style killing of mother and son by off-duty cop sparks outrage in Philippines

Sergeant Jonel Nuezca shot his neighbour point blank over a dispute and now facing murder charges. - PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

MANILA (The Straits Times/ANN): Just days before Christmas, Filipinos woke up on Monday morning (Dec 21) to a harrowing five-minute video of an off-duty police officer shooting point blank at a neighbour and her son in broad daylight over some disputes in front of a small crowd.

The incident was shocking and disturbing for its portrayal of brazen impunity, critics said. It has also once again cast a harsh light on perceived abuses by policemen purportedly emboldened by a president said to be mollycoddling officers carrying out his bloody drug war.