QC man who allegedly hit non-masked fish vendor suspended preventively

April 30, 2020

A member of Quezon City's mobile group which monitors violators of the enhanced community quarantine was slapped with a 60-day preventive suspension for allegedly hitting a fish vendor.

Ranulfo Ludovica, who heads Task Force Disiplina, said Wednesday he  suspended Joel Laurel pending the investigation of the city's legal office.

“It was a violation for abuse of authority,” he said.

Laurel was seen in videos which went viral on social media hitting Michael Rubuia several times with a stick along Panay Avenue in Barangay South Triangle on Sunday.

Ludovica said Laurel struck Rubuia more than twice.

Laurel and  barangay watchmen accosted Rubuia for not wearing a face mask and staying in a public place.

Ludovica said charges were filed against Rubuia for violating Republic Act 11332, the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

The official revealed  Rubuia tested positive for illegal drugs.

“He was violent because he was under the influence of shabu,” Ludovica said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)is conducting  a separate investigation.

DILG  Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya reminded barangay officials to always observe human rights when implementing directives set by the national government. DMS