The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is now investigating a Quezon City official who, in a Facebook post, threatened to “shoot-to-kill” quarantine violators.
Rannie Ludovica, a former city councilor and now head of the Quezon City local government’s Task Force Disiplina, drew criticisms on social media for a post on his personal Facebook account that read: “Mula bukas shoot to kill na ang mga lalabag sa MECQ” as Metro Manila reverted to a stricter quarantine.
Ludovica’s post has been taken down.
Ludovica has since clarified that his “shoot to kill” post was not official policy of the Quezon City local government.
Ludovica blamed news website Rappler for its initial report on his statement which he claimed made it appear it was official policy.
CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said the commission has already reached out to the Quezon City legal office to probe the official, adding they were “alarmed” by Ludovica’s threat.
“Nakakabahala na meron tayong mga mga opisyal sa pamahalaan na nagbibitiw ng mga salita na hindi naaayon sa batas at hindi naaayon sa karapatang pantao (It was alarming that we have government officials who would utter such threats that are clearly against the law and human rights.),” De Guia told ABS-CBN News.
The investigation will proceed even after Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte gave Ludovica a “second chance.”
Belmonte earlier called Ludovica’s post as “irresponsible” and underscored that the former councilman’s statement should not be considered as Quezon City’s official policy./Stacy Ang
