Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan has relieved from his post the police officer who halted the flow of traffic along Commonwealth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 5, after he "mistakenly heard" that Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio's vehicle will pass through the thoroughfare.

Maranan on Friday, Oct. 6, apologized to the public for the inconvenience brought by the traffic confusion incident.

"Traffic management is an essential part of the security measures we provide for VIPs (Very Important Persons)  including diplomats, elected government officials, state guests, and other personalities whose movements require the utmost security. It is crucial to emphasize that our approach to simple traffic management should remain free from political influence," Maranan said in a statement on Friday.

A video of the incident posted on social media showed that the traffic flow on the  westbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue was halted for minutes by the police as the vice president's vehicle was allegedly going to pass.

In a statement on Friday, the QCPD Holy Spirit Station (PS 14) also apologized to the public and said that the incident stemmed from a confusion and lapse in judgement of its policeman manning the traffic during that time.

It said the policeman manning the road decided to clear the traffic flow when he mistakenly heard the word "VP" as a sign of courtesy and security to the vice president.

It said that the policeman allegedly overreacted when he stopped traffic for a few minutes, because of misleading information.

PS 14 also confirmed that the vice president had no engagement in that particular area when the incident happened.

"I have ordered the relief of my policeman and put him under investigation to determine administrative liability for his actions. We assure the public that this incident will not happen again," PS 14 commander Lt. Col. May Genio said.

The police officer, identified as Police Executive Master Sgt. Verdo Pantallano, assigned to the PS 14, also asked for forgiveness from the public for the mistake done on the road.

Maranan also clarified that the traffic management operation in the area was not in any manner related to politics.

"However, we acknowledge that there may have been inconvenience and misunderstandings caused to the public during this incident. Your QCPD sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience and confusion brought on by the situation," he also said.

He also extended apologies to the Office of the Vice-President for any unintended association with the incident, saying that the VP was not the subject of the security measures taken during that time.

"We understand the importance of upholding the dignity and reputation of our public officials," he said

"Our commitment remains unwavering in ensuring the safety and security of all individuals under our protection, regardless of their status. We will continue to strive for transparency and professionalism in our operations," the city police chief added.