QC vendor struck, arrested by ECQ enforcers freed

The fish vendor who was violently arrested in Quezon City for not wearing a mask while selling his goods was released from detention on Thursday, after the city’s Task Force Disiplina withdrew its complaint against him.

Michael Rubuia, 38, sustained several wounds and abrasions when some task force members beat him with a stick and dragged him to their vehicle while arresting him on Panay Avenue on Monday.

He was detained at the Kamuning police station on charges of resistance and disobedience to persons of authority.

Rannie Ludovica, head of Task Force Disiplina, earlier said Rubuia had tested positive for drugs.

After his release, the vendor would be turned over to the Quezon City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center at Barangay Payatas for assessment, evaluation, treatment and care, according to the city government.

In a statement on Wednesday, the city government said the legal department had issued show cause orders that would require the task force personnel involved in the incident to explain their actions.

The legal department added that it had sent lawyers and investigators to the scene to acquire more evidence on the case.

The city government reiterated that any violation of the human rights of its citizens would not be allowed or tolerated.