Belmonte orders probe of Ronaldo Valdez video leak

Ronaldo Valdez. Image: Instagram/@tito.ron.valdez

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered a probe Wednesday after a video of late veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez circulated online.

“This is a breach of privacy and basic human decency against the individual and his bereaved family,” Belmonte said in a statement.

“I am directing Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director PBGen. Redrico Maranan to conduct an investigation against all police personnel involved at the scene with corresponding sanctions to those at fault,” she added.

Maranan earlier said two police personnel involved with the leak were relieved, as well as their station’s commander.

The video was taken by the first responder, and other personnel then posted the image to their Viber group.

Belmonte also 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.”

Belmonte meanwhile discouraged the public from sharing the video.

“Let us respect the privacy and dignity of the late actor and his family in this time of intense grief,” Belmonte said. “It is highly distasteful for anyone to use the sad and unfortunate demise of an individual to gain social media mileage and popularity.”

Valdez, 76, died in the afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 17, at his home in Quezon City.

The veteran actor was survived by his wife, Maria Fe Ilagan Gibbs, and his children, Janno Gibbs and former actress Melissa Gibbs.