3 PNP-HPG personnel relieved over Edsa busway infraction
(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has relieved three of its members who were involved in the controversial Edsa busway incident, which went viral over the weekend.
Based on previous reports and the video uploaded by the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT), a convoy of two HPG riders used the busway and asked traffic enforcers to halt operations as reportedly ordered by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.
“The personnel involved have been relieved, with two officers placed under the Admin Holding Unit pending investigation,” the HPG said in a statement on Monday.
“Additionally, an officer who improperly invoked the name of PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil is also under investigation,” it added.
Article continues after this advertisementThe HPG also cleared Marbil’s name, saying that the PNP chief was not involved, and “the officer’s remarks were personal opinions, not an official stance.”
For his part, the PNP-HPG officer in charge Brig. Gen. Eleazar Pepito Matta clarified that “there was no intention to override the mandate of the SAICT.”
“While the officer’s remarks were made in the context of alleviating traffic congestion, we recognize the importance of adhering to proper protocols. Accountability is essential, and we are taking the necessary administrative actions to address this matter,” Matta added.
