Mayor Joy Belmonte strongly denounced the atrocious and barbaric act against one of the members of the LGBT community on what is clearly a hate crime against him on account of his sexual orientation and gender identity.
“This type of violence has no space in a civilized society where everyone is treated equally and with utmost respect. I hope that those behind this will be punished to the full extent of the law and rot in jail”, said Belmonte.
The Quezon City government lauded the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) for its swift action in arresting the three suspects behind the death of Norriebi Tria, also known as Ebeng Mayor.
Based on a report by the QCPD, a childhood friend of the victim, identified as Zander dela Cruz, confessed to the crime and named two more suspects during an investigation.
The QCPD then conducted a hot-pursuit operation that led to the arrest of the two other suspects, identified as Richard Haraza and Nonoy Sablay. The victim’s cellphone was also recovered from the suspect.
The QCPD is now preparing to file the appropriate charges against the suspects.
“As I express my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ebeng Mayor, I also want to assure them that we won’t leave any stone unturned until justice is served for the death of their loved one”, said the Mayor.
She assured the LGBT community that despite this unfortunate incident, members of the LGBT community must continue to have faith in the Quezon City government’s commitment to provide a safe space for them and shield them from violence and abuse.
The city is among the first to pass and implement a Gender Fair Ordinance that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) and protects LGBT rights.
We encourage members of the LGBT sector who are experiencing violence and harassment to report via Hotline 122 for immediate action or seek refuge in our QC Protection Center and Bahay Kanlungan temporary shelter if the need arises.
The city government, which has been coordinating with the victim’s family since yesterday, is prepared to provide any assistance needed.
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