MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Quezon City has ordered a full-blown investigation into an incident along Panay Avenue in Barangay South Triangle involving local authorities beating a man for supposedly violating the enhanced community quarantine.
“The City Government shall never condone any acts of violence or violation of human rights, regardless of reason or justification, especially when committed by an official or employee of the City Government or any of the City’s Barangays,” read the statement.
“A full-blown investigation is being conducted on this matter, and any person found to have to have acted unlawfully or improperly shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” it added.
A concerned citizen took the video where authorities allegedly from the Office of the Mayor’s Task Force Disiplina were seen beating a man using a piece of wood in front of a condominium along Panay Avenue.
PHOTO from Quezon City Government Facebook
While being hit, the unidentified victim told the authorities: “Wala naman po akong ginagawa (I am doing nothing.)”
Four men carried the man and placed him inside a vehicle marked with “Office of the Mayor’s Task Force Disiplina.”
The city government also reminded its workers to enforce strict lockdown measures but observe compassion and tolerance with residents.
“While the City Government reiterates it’s resolve to fully enforce ECQ Protocols at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, all its personnel and agents are strongly reminded to always conduct themselves with proper decorum and restraint, and to observe compassion and tolerance, especially in these difficult times,” the local government said.