Mental hospital chief and driver shot dead in Quezon City

The chief of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and his driver were shot dead today by motorcycle-riding gunmen on Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City.

Dr. Roland Cortez, 61, and his driver Ernesto Ponce dela Cruz, 46, died from gunshot wounds while inside their red Toyota Vios.

Cortez became publicly-known after one NCMH official named Clarita Avila divulged that hospital workers and patients were getting infected with the coronavirus due to the lack of protective gear. Cortez ordered Avila to shush then transferred her to the Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Las Piñas City.

At least 36 patients and workers at the NCMH tested positive for COVID-19. 

The Quezon City police said they are currently investigating the killing.

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