Responding promptly to the viral video depicting the last moments of veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) acted swiftly by relieving three police officers from their duties.
Senior M/Sgt. Wilfredo Calinao, Cpl. Romel Rosales, and QCPD Station 11 commander Lt. Col. Reynante Parlade faced disciplinary action following the widespread circulation of the video online. The QCPD’s quick response underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment to address the incident with urgency.
QCPD Director Brigadier General Red Maranan clarified the reasons for their removal, stating, “Two [police personnel] were relieved. One first responder and one uploader to the Viber group, while the station commander is also relieved under the doctrine of command responsibility.”
He stressed that the first responder, Calinao, violated protocol by capturing the video instead of securing the scene.
Maranan disclosed that the video was initially taken by Calinao, and Rosales subsequently shared it within their Viber group.
Both officers have been reassigned to the District Personnel Holding Admin Section, effective immediately.
The QCPD chief also revealed ongoing efforts to identify three civilians responsible for the initial upload on Facebook.
Although their names remain undisclosed, they may face legal consequences under Presidential Decree 1829, Republic Act (RA) 10173 (Data Privacy Act), and RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act).
“Whoever is caught spreading any videos of the victim’s death will be dealt with accordingly,” Maranan warned, emphasizing the need to respect the family’s grieving period.
An investigation is underway to determine how the video made its way onto various social media platforms.
Maranan highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of police procedures during such sensitive investigations.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte condemned the video leak as a breach of privacy and basic human decency.
She directed Maranan to investigate all police personnel involved, ensuring appropriate sanctions for any wrongdoing.
Belmonte urged Filipinos to refrain from sharing the video and expressed condolences to Valdez’s family.
Valdez, 76, passed away at his Quezon City residence on December 17, with the cause of death pending investigation. Authorities are committed to conducting a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the actor’s demise.
Meanwhile, Jamela Santos, business manager and close friend of Ronaldo Valdez, seeks justice for the violation of the actor’s memory.
Expressing outrage at the spread of the sensitive video, Santos implored assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) through a social media post.
“Stop this!!!!! Do I have a friend from NBI? Please help!!!” Santos pleaded, calling out those responsible for tarnishing Valdez’s legacy.
Netizens echoed their condemnation of the controversial video’s dissemination, expressing sympathy for Santos and decrying the lack of gloves during the initial investigation.
While the inquiry is in its early stages, an investigator claimed to have discerned voices in the viral video, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding controversy.
The Daily Netizen 