The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has issued an apology to the family of the late veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez following the unauthorized circulation of a video depicting his lifeless body on December 17, 2023.
QCPD director BGen. Redrico Maranan expressed sincere apologies to the Gibbs family, particularly to Janno Gibbs, Valdez’s son, for the inappropriate actions of a member of their police force who recorded the video. Maranan urged the family to pursue the filing of criminal charges against those responsible for leaking the video.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Maranan emphasized the gravity of the lapse in judgment by certain personnel and expressed deep regret for any distress caused. The QCPD is taking swift and decisive action, with the involved personnel facing administrative charges for their actions.
Maranan emphasized that the behavior displayed in the leaked video does not reflect the values upheld by the QCPD. At least five police officers are now facing a range of administrative charges, including neglect of duty, grave irregularity in the performance of duty, grave misconduct in relation to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and grave misconduct in relation to the Obstruction of Justice under Presidential Decree 1829. The maximum penalty for these charges is dismissal from the service.
Under the doctrine of command responsibility, three police officers have been charged with neglect of duty. The QCPD is also preparing legal actions under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 against civilians suspected of unauthorized dissemination of the video.
The QCPD chief assured the public that such incidents will not be tolerated, and stricter measures are being implemented to prevent their recurrence. The QCPD is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
It is important to note that the unauthorized circulation of sensitive materials, such as videos or images of deceased individuals, is a violation of privacy and can cause immense distress to the families involved. Respect for the deceased and their loved ones is crucial, and any breach of this respect is unacceptable.
The QCPD’s prompt apology and commitment to taking appropriate actions demonstrate their dedication to rectifying the situation and ensuring accountability for their personnel. The family of Ronaldo Valdez deserves justice and privacy during this difficult time, and it is encouraging to see the QCPD actively working towards achieving this.
As an international audience, it is essential to understand that different countries have varying laws and customs regarding privacy and the handling of sensitive information. In this case, the QCPD is acting in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which aim to protect individuals’ privacy rights and prevent the unauthorized dissemination of personal information.
Instances like these serve as reminders of the importance of respecting privacy and the need for strict enforcement of laws to prevent such incidents from occurring. The QCPD’s commitment to preventing the recurrence of similar incidents demonstrates their dedication to upholding the values and principles of law enforcement.
In conclusion, the QCPD’s apology to the Valdez family and their swift actions in response to the unauthorized circulation of the video are commendable. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to take responsibility for the actions of their personnel and ensure that such breaches of privacy are not repeated. The QCPD’s commitment to stricter measures and accountability sets a positive example for other organizations to follow. Respect for privacy and the dignity of the deceased should always be a priority, regardless of the circumstances.
Source: The Manila Times
