FBANC Statement on the Death of Angelo Quinto
The Filipino Bar Association of Northern California (“FBANC”) extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of 30-year-old Filipino-American veteran Angelo Quinto. On December 23, 2020, Mr. Quinto experienced a mental health crisis at his family home and his sister called the Antioch Police to request for assistance. It has been reported that the officers who responded restrained Mr. Quinto on the floor and knelt on his neck for nearly five minutes. Mr. Quinto lost consciousness and passed away a few days later.
Although the investigation into Mr. Quinto’s death is ongoing, one thing is abundantly clear: Mr. Quinto’s untimely passing underscores the importance of greater transparency and accountability of police agencies. The circumstances surrounding Mr. Quinto’s death, which recall the May 25, 2020 killing of George Floyd, where police knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck, makes imperative the need for critical reexamination and reform of policies, practices, and training related to response to calls for service involving mental health crises.
As a legal organization, FBANC recognizes the key interests at stake in these difficult matters and the importance of preserving the integrity of the legal process. FBANC stands in solidarity with Mr. Quinto’s family and the Filipinx and Filipinx-American Community in their quest for justice and increased police transparency and accountability.
Contact Mari Bandoma Callado, FBANC President maribandoma@fbanc.org and Raymond R. Rollan, FBANC Vice-President raymondrollan@fbanc.org for more information.
About FBANC
Established in 1980, FBANC is an organization of attorneys, judges, and law students dedicated to serving the Filipinx and Filipinx-American community. Through the volunteer work of its members, including lifetime members, FBANC offers various service programs, including regular, free legal clinics, professional development programs for attorneys, and mentorship for law students and young attorneys. The organization also provides a voice for and advocates on behalf of Filipinx and Filipinx-American interests in various forums.