QCPD chief, Mayor Belmonte warn actor’s death video uploaders

Criminal and administrative charges will be filed against those who are involved in the circulating of video of the death of James Ronald Dulaca Gibbs, a.k.a. actor Ronaldo Valdez, who died on 17 December 2023 in his residence.

These were the stern warnings of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and QC police chief P/BGen. Redrico Maranan after an investigation carried out by the Quezon City Police District probers pointed to some of its police officers who responded to the scene and other "video and photo uploaders" who were already identified.

"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 explained.

"Mariin ding kinokondena ng lokal na pamahalaan ang pagkalat ng video na kuha sa loob ng bahay ni Mr. Valdez. This is a breach of privacy and basic human decency against the individual and his bereaved family," Belmonte added.

She also warned that the QCPD will also file cases against those who are responsible for making the video public.

"I am directing QC Police District director, P/BGen. Redrico Maranan, to conduct an investigation against all police personnel involved at the scene with corresponding sanctions to those at fault. 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," Belmonte pointed out.

In compliance with the instruction of Mayor Belmonte, Maranan said he had relieved the police's first responders to the scene and their commander for the leaked video footage of Valdez's death.

Maranan said that based on their initial investigation, it was found out that the said video was taken by QCPD Police Station 11 personnel who was then the first responder at the crime scene.

Also, initial investigation by the Quezon City Anti Cyber Crime Team, another personnel of PS 11 posted the said video in their Viber group while three civilian Facebook accounts were identified as the first to upload the video and compilation of photos of the incident on Facebook.

Acting on the information, the QCPD Director immediately ordered the relief of the PS 11 station commander for possible command responsibility and his two police officers from their present assignment and reassigned to the District Personnel Holding Admin Section (DPHAS) effective 20 December 2023, while thorough cyber investigation is ongoing to identify other personalities who are involved.

Cases of violation of P.D. 1829 (Obstruction of Justice); R.A. 10173, also known as 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 and violation of other applicable laws will be filed against the personalities involved.

"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," Maranan said.

Belmonte on the other hand also requested city residents 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," the Mayor urged.

"Labis na ikinalulungkot ng buong Lungsod Quezon ang pagkamatay ng magaling at beteranong aktor na si Ronaldo Valdez. Nakikiramay kami sa lahat ng naiwang pamilya, kaibigan, katrabaho at mga kakilala ni Mr. Valdez. Alay namin ang dasal para sa kaniyang kaluluwa at pakikidalamhati sa mga naiwan," Belmonte added.