Police public apology sought for ‘lapses’ in probe of actor’s death

MANILA, Philippines — Singer-songwriter Janno Gibbs on Monday called out the police and sought a public apology after some officers / investigators supposedly committed lapses in handling the investigation of the death of his father, veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez late last year. 

Gibbs, through his lawyer, Lorna Kapunan,  reiterated that those responsible for the leak of the video showing veteran film and television actor’s  body should be held liable. 

“During investigation dapat walang leakage meron tayong privacy ng family meron din tayong confidential data information so mishandling talaga […] This is the very same day in total shock pa ang family dagdagan pa ng insensitivity ng police,” Kapunan pointed out during a press conference held on Monday. 

(There should be no leakage during the investigation since we have confidential data information and value the family’s privacy. The case was clearly mishandled. On the same day that Valdez died, while his family was still in shock, and this also happened due to the police’s insensitivity.)

“Kung ang question sino dapat mag apologize siguro hindi lang dapat yung sinasabing investigating officers kasi tatlo ang pangalan na nakalagay sa report siguro yung superiors din nila should apologize dahil under the doctrine of command responsibility they are equally liable the same way na kinalat ang video na yan it must be in the same prominence na mag-apologize sila,” she added. 

(If the question is who will apologize, the superiors of the three police officers should also do so since they are equally liable under the doctrine of command responsibility.)

“The apology must be as public and as widespread, and it should be sincere,” Kapunan furthered. 

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said that five police officers involved in the case will face administrative charges, including neglect of duty; grave irregularity in the performance of duty; grave misconduct in relation to Republic Act 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012 and RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012); conduct of unbecoming of a police officer and grave misconduct in relation to Presidential Decree 1829 (Obstruction of Justice) with dismissal from service as the maximum penalty. 

Meanwhile, a case for neglect of duty was filed against three police officers under the doctrine of command responsibility. 

Valdez died last December 17 in Quezon City.