Belmonte blasts Quezon City executive over ‘shoot-to-kill’ post

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday condemned what she described as the “wrong, inappropriate and irresponsible” social media post of a city official threatening to shoot violators of quarantine protocols.

Belmonte said the remarks made by Task Force Disiplina head Ranulfo Ludovica, who is in charge of implementing quarantine rules, is not part of the policy of the city government.

“We condemn the remark made by Task Force Disiplina head Rannie Ludovica. It is wrong, it is inappropriate and it is irresponsible,” she said in Filipino during a press briefing with presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

“I condemn what he said and again – I repeat – whatever was posted is personal and has absolutely no relationship whatsoever with the policies, principles and programs of the city government,” she added.

Ludovica drew criticism after posting on his Facebook account that it would be “shoot-to-kill” for violators of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting yesterday.

Frustrated

Ludovica has taken down the post and clarified that it was not a policy of the city government.

“The personal Facebook post came from my frustrations in relation to our return to MECQ from GCQ (general community quarantine),” he said in Filipino. “The number of cases in the city and the country continue to rise due lack of disciple and violation of laws.”

There was no apology in his official statement.

Belmonte said the official’s post, while irresponsible and wrong, was nothing but an expression of frustration.

“There was no truth to his post. There was no ill intent. But he admitted that while his feelings might be valid, the way he said it was wrong. He apologized to us here in the city government,” she added.

On the part of Malacañang, Roque said they adopt the stand of Belmonte on the issue.

He also called on the public to follow quarantine restrictions and health protocols to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Also yesterday, Department of the Interior and Local Government spokesman Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said Ludovica’s threat is not only improper but illegal, stressing that any measure to discipline people should be within the bounds of the law.

“Local government unit department heads must be circumspect in their social media posts since this may be mistaken by their constituents as official LGU policy,” Malaya said.

Liquor ban

Meanwhile, Belmonte said a liquor ban would again be implemented in Quezon City while the metropolis is under MECQ to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

She noted the assessment of the City Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (CESU) that drinking sessions in public places caused the spread of the virus in some communities.

“There were various instances where those who contracted the virus claimed they simply went out for a drink with neighbors,” said CESU head Rolly Cruz.

Under the liquor ban, all establishments are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages during the MECQ.

Drinking liquor and other intoxicating beverages in public are prohibited, although its consumption is still allowed inside private residences. –Emmanuel Tupas, Cecille Suerte Felipe