Fish vendor mauled in QC reunited with family after 16 years

The fish vendor who was beaten up by barangay watchmen for violating quarantine regulations in Quezon City has been reunited with his family after 16 years of separation, the local government said on Friday.

In a statement on the incident in Barangay South Triangle, the local government said Michael Rubia finally had the opportunity to cradle his five-month-old granddaughter.

Before freeing Rubia, he was given meals, examined, assessed and evaluated by a doctor from the Quezon City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Facility (TAHANAN), who recommended him for outpatient treatment.

Rubia was arrested after he was caught selling fish on a sidewalk in violation of enhanced community quarantine regulations in the city. He also was not wearing a face mask.

An altercation ensued after he was accosted by members of Task Force Disiplina. One of them, Joel Laurel, repeatedly hit him with a stick.

Laurel has defended his actions, saying the use of the stick was necessary to instill discipline.

"The Quezon City Government has also dismissed and terminated the services of the Task Force Disiplina member who inflicted physical injuries upon 'Michael,'" the city said.

"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," it added.

"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 said.

The Quezon City government has mandated that city officers be equipped with body cameras to ensure just execution of enforcement procedures. -NB, GMA News