By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Several police officers were flagged for driving without licenses or with unregistered vehicles during a surprise inspection conducted by the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) at the main gate of Camp Crame, Quezon City, on Thursday.
In a press briefing, HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang said the inspection was ordered by newly appointed PNP-Highway Patrol Group director Col. Hansel Marantan to ensure that PNP personnel comply with vehicle and traffic laws.
“The purpose of this operation is to ensure that all policemen are also following the law, the rules and regulations in relation to motor vehicles. We also want to make it a point that all motor vehicle owners should have their motor vehicles registered on time,” Malang said.
During the inspection, around 500 motorcycles and 300 cars were checked.
Six drivers were issued citation tickets for various violations, mostly failure to present updated Certificates of Registration, Official Receipts, and valid driver’s licenses.
While no carnapped or police-recovered vehicles were discovered, HPG operatives came across privately owned cars bearing unauthorized accessories and police insignias.
Malang said the inspections will continue until all PNP personnel strictly comply with motor vehicle laws.
He also warned officers against using recovered vehicles from police operations, citing past cases where some police officers were caught behind the wheel of such units.
“Our call to our colleagues is to stop these practices now. The HPG will not spare anyone who is caught violating the law,” Malang said, adding that the move is part of efforts to restore accountability and improve the image of the police organization, in line with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PNA)
