ECQ enforcer who hit vendor along Panay Avenue fired

MANILA, Philippines — A Task Force Disiplina member, who struck a vendor along Panay Avenue in Quezon City for not wearing a face mask, has been fired, the Quezon City government said Friday.

“The Quezon City Government has also dismissed and terminated the services of the Task Force Disiplina member who inflicted physical injuries upon Michael (Rubuia),” read the statement on Facebook.

The local government said it underscores the vital role of frontliners in enforcing lockdown protocols but they must not abuse their power and violate human rights.

“The City recognizes the difficulties faced by our frontliners tasked with enforcing community quarantine, however, these challenges should never be used as an excuse to abuse power. With the swift resolution of this matter, the City reiterates that it shall never countenance acts of violence, or violations of human rights towards any individual,” the city government said.

To recall, the government’s Task Force Disiplina was criticized for beating up 38-year-old Michael Rubuia for not wearing a face mask in front of a condominium at Panay Avenue.

Rubuia was arrested for complaints of resistance and disobedience to persons of authority but was released after the city government dropped the criminal cases.