By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will look into the viral video showing two police officers’ alleged unprofessional behavior toward a civilian motorist in Manila.
The Manila Police District (MPD) and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were directed to conduct a prompt parallel administrative investigation into the incident, in coordination with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).
“We do not tolerate any form of misconduct or overstepping of authority within our ranks,” PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Friday, as he called on all police personnel to uphold discipline and protect public trust.
“As police officers, we must carry the badge with responsibility —and integrity and professionalism must always guide our actions.”
A dashcam video showed two MPD officers changing lanes and cutting off a Toyota Vios on Taft Avenue near the Philippine General Hospital. The driver said the officers got angry after he honked at them.
The footage also showed the patrol car stopping in front of the driver at a green light, then speeding away while the light was red.
The officers apologized, initially citing mechanical trouble. They later admitted unprofessional conduct and issued public apologies, saying they attempted to overtake another vehicle to respond to someone needing police assistance, and that the driver may have believed they cut him off.
The officers have already been relieved of their posts. (PNA)
