Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday ordered an investigation on the leaked footage of the late veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez.
In a statement, Belmonte directed Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan to launch an investigation against involved personnel and implement the necessary sanctions for those proven responsible for the spread of the video.
"This is a breach of privacy and basic human decency against the individual and his bereaved family," the mayor said.
Valdez, one of the country's veteran actors, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 17. He was 77 years old.
Before this, three police personnel of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) were relieved from their posts for allegedly spreading the crime scene video of the late actor. The said video has been circulating online.
The relieved policemen were identified as PCol. Wilfredo Calbao, PCol. Rommel Rosales and Reynante Parlado, who sits as QCPD Station 11's commander.
Belmonte likewise ordered the QCPD to review its protocols when responding to similar incidents.
“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,” she said. "Police procedures including evidence collection should be meticulously recorded without violating the principles of trust, professionalism, and confidentiality that our law enforcers should uphold.”
"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," Belmonte said.
