By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Two police officers assigned in Manila have been relieved of their posts over a traffic violation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.
In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the officers – a corporal and a major assigned to the Moriones Police Station – were conducting patrol operations in their area of responsibility on April 16, confiscating road obstructions, including two wooden pushcarts.
Instead of immediately turning over the confiscated items to the police station, the officers decided to transport them to the Manila City Hall, citing the availability of a larger storage space.
However, they were caught on video traveling along Asuncion Street near Lakandula Street with the two wooden carts protruding from the back of their vehicle.
“Nagsimula kahapon… sila ay (Starting yesterday… they were) administratively relieved undergoing pre-charge investigation pending completion of the investigation,” Tuaño said.
“Maganda sana yung intention ng ating mga PNP personnel sapagkat itong mga hinakot nila ay obstruction sa public places. Ngunit, yung pagkakasalang ng mga obstructions, ito ay tinatawag nating dangerous load (Their intention was good because what they were hauling were obstructions in public places. But the way the obstructions were transported, this is what we call a dangerous load).”
According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which has summoned the two officers, the pushcarts were transported in a manner that posed a road safety risk.
According to the LTO’s show cause order, the two officers are required to appear before the agency at its Quezon City office on Wednesday to explain the incident. (PNA)
