Two Quezon City Police District (QCPD) personnel who were the first responders and believed to be behind the uploading on social media of the video of the late actor Ronaldo Valdez at the crime scene where he was found dead on Sunday, Dec. 17, were relieved from their duties, QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan confirmed on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
In a text message, Maranan told the Manila Bulletin that one of the police officers was a first responder when the incident was reported to them, while the other one reportedly uploaded the video in a Viber group.
The identities of the relieved police operatives who were assigned to the QCPD Galas Station (PS 11) were not disclosed.
Maranan added that the commander of the station where the cops were assigned was also relieved under the doctrine of command responsibility.
The video shared on social media showed the crime scene where Valdez was found unresponsive while sitting on a chair in his residence.
Based on police investigation, it was found out that the video was taken by PS 11 personnel who were the first responders at the crime scene.
The Quezon City Anti Cyber Crime Team said the other personnel posted the video in their Viber group, and three civilian Facebook accounts were found to be first to upload the video and compilation of photos of the incident on the social media platform.
The video garnered comments from netizens who called out the uploaders to delete their posts and respect the privacy and the bereaved family of the late actor.
"There are three identified civilian accounts which posted the video on Facebook. Investigation is still ongoing to determine other personalities who propagated the video," the police chief said.
Maranan immediately ordered the relief of PS 11 station commander for possible command responsibility. His two personnel were reassigned to the District Personnel Holding Admin Section (DPHAS) while a thorough cyber investigation is ongoing to identify other inviduals involved.
Police said that cases of violation of Presidential Decree 1829 (Obstruction of Justice); Republic Act (R.A.)10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 in relation to R.A. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; and Section 3, Paragraph K of R.A. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act); and violation of other applicable laws will be filed against the personalities involved.
The QCPD said the charges were in compliance to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte's instruction to conduct an in depth investigation and file cases against against those responsible for making the video public.
Valdez's death was earlier announced by the QCPD and his son, singer and actor Jano Gibbs, who requested privacy for their family.
Maranan had earlier said that they are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of death of the actor.
"Whoever is caught spreading any videos of the victim’s death will be dealt with accordingly. We also encourage the public to give the family time to grieve the passing of their loved one," QCPD said.