Cops in viral video who claimed had mechanical issues relieved from posts

The men and women of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have sworn an oath to “Serve and Protect” the public. For many officers, this commitment guides their actions and defines their service. However, there are instances when some personnel appear to believe that wearing the uniform grants them certain privileges, including disregarding traffic rules or intimidating civilians.

A video that recently circulated on social media appears to show a traffic altercation between a civilian motorist and a mobile patrol unit from the Ermita Police Station in the City of Manila.

According to the individual who recorded the footage, which they later sent to James Deakin, the patrol vehicle allegedly swerved and cut into their lane while they were driving along Taft Avenue. The motorist said he honked to alert the patrol driver, claiming the maneuver nearly caused a collision due to its suddenness.

The patrol unit driver, seemingly irked by the honking, reportedly stopped in the middle of moving traffic, blocking the civilian’s vehicle. Moments later, as the traffic light turned red, the patrol vehicle accelerated and appeared to beat the red light.

Netizens expressed outrage over the incident, pointing out that police officers are expected to set an example by strictly adhering to traffic regulations and refraining from any form of road rage.

According to Ermita Police Station 5 commander Police Lt. Col. Alfonso Saligumba III, the two patrolmen involved have already been relieved from their posts pending investigation.

“They were already relieved from their posts and submitted their written explanation and initiated appropriate administrative review to determine the full circumstances surrounding this matter,” Saligumba said.

In their defense, the two police officers claimed that the patrol vehicle they were driving experienced a mechanical malfunction, causing it to stall in front of the other motorist and passenger who recorded the incident.

Meanwhile, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Vice Chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan strongly condemned the actions of the two officers, expressing his anger over the incident and issuing a stern rebuke against them.

“They will be facing administrative cases. We will continue to file admin cases. Let us see what it will do. Apart from the incident in Ermita, we have a perjured affidavit. I’m still thinking whether or not I should file cases also because they lied to my face. Extremely insulting,” said Calinisan.

Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has also issued a Show Cause Order against the driver of the police mobile patrol unit. The driver’s license has also been suspended for 90 days and may be subject to revocation if he is found to be an “improper person to operate a motor vehicle.”

The patrol unit involved in the incident has been placed under alarm pending the outcome of the investigation.