THE PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has ordered the relief of three of its men who were caught illegally using the EDSA busway, one of them even dropping the name of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
HPG spokesman Lt. Nadame Malang said the policemen, who were not identified, will face an administrative investigation which may lead to the imposition of penalties.
The three were reportedly escorting two private vehicles traveling northbound on the Ortigas section of the Edsa busway last February 8
When confronted by members of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) of the Department of Transportation, one of the policemen dropped the name of Marbil.
The policeman said Marbil was requesting the suspension of SAICT operations because it was causing traffic congestion, especially during rush hour.
“It’s ongoing,” Malang said of the investigation. “This will be a priority and the HPG, under our director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, will not tolerate such acts.
“These personnel will face the consequences of their actions,” added Malang.
Asked if the policemen were moonlighting, Malang said that is part of the ongoing investigation.
“Again, we will not tolerate (such acts). The order of our director to our investigating team is not to tolerate anyone. (If found guilty), they will have to face the necessary consequences of their actions,” said Malang.
In a statement, the HPG said it laments the incident, which it said has already attracted “significant attention” on social media.
“It is imperative to clarify that the name of PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has been unjustly associated with this matter,” the HPG said.
“We assert that there was absolutely no intention to undermine the mandate of the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation or to dictate the actions of its operatives,” the HPG added.
It surmised the statements made by the policeman during the incident, which was captured on video, might be “intended primarily to alleviate traffic congestion during rush hour.
“These statements reflect his personal views and do not represent the official stance of the HPG,” the HPG said.
The HPG said it remains “firmly committed to upholding the highest standards in the performance of its duties and responsibilities.”
“This incident is both unfortunate and isolated, and we are implementing stringent measures to ensure that such occurrences do not happen again in the future,” the HPG said.
It assured the public that it is not going to tolerate any actions of its men who “compromise the integrity of our institution or its leadership.”
“We appreciate the public’s understanding and continued support as we diligently strive to maintain order and safety on our nation’s roads,” the HPG said.
