Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday, Dec. 20, expressed sadness over the uploading of the crime scene video of veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez who died in his house in the city last Sunday, Dec. 17.
"Labis na ikinalulungkot ng buong Lungsod Quezon ang pagkamatay ng magaling at beteranong aktor na si Ronaldo Valdez ( The entire Quezon City deeply regrets the death of the talented and veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez)," the mayor said.
"Mariin ding kinokondena ng lokal na pamahalaan ang pagkalat ng video na kuha sa loob ng bahay ni Mr. Valdez (The local government also strongly condemns the spread of the video taken inside the house of Mr. Valdez). This is a breach of privacy and basic human decency against the individual and his bereaved family," Belmonte added.
"I am directing QC Police District Director PBGen. Redrico Maranan to conduct an investigation against all police personnel involved at the scene with corresponding sanctions to those at fault," she said.
On Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Quezon City Police District director, confirmed that two local police personnel involved in the uploading of the crime scene video showing Valdez unresponsive while sitting on a chair in his house were relieved from their posts.
He added they also identified three civilian accounts who posted the video in Facebook and they launched an Investigation to determine those who were behind the leakage of the video on social media.
Maranan also said the police personnel and civilians who spread the video will face administrative and criminal charges.
The mayor said that a thorough review of all protocols in conducting emergency response and investigation should be conducted, with respect to the rights of all parties in a case.
"Police procedures including evidence collection should be meticulously recorded without violating the principles of trust, professionalism, and confidentiality that our law enforcers should uphold," Belmonte said.
"To our QCitizens, we sincerely beseech you to refrain from sharing the said video. Let us respect the privacy and dignity of the late actor and his family in this time of intense grief. It is highly distasteful for anyone to use the sad and unfortunate demise of an individual to gain social media mileage and popularity," she added.
She also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and colleagues of Valdez.
"Alay namin ang dasal para sa kaniyang kaluluwa at pakikidalamhati sa mga naiwan (We offer prayers for his soul and condolences to those who were left behind)," she added.
Read more: 2 QCPD cops relieved from post for uploading crime scene video of late actor Ronaldo Valdez