The Philippine National Police (PNP) has relived a police officer who was driving a police mobile that caused an accident along the EDSA bus carousel lane in Quezon City.
PNP Chief, Police Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the incident has already been investigated but pending the results of the probe, the officer behind the wheels was relieved to avoid any allegations of impartiality.
"The use of the bus lane are only for emergency cases line respnding to a crime. That is the only exception. Aside from that, there is no exemption," Acorda said on Friday, Dec. 29.
"I am urging those who are responsible in the use of these marked vehicles, let us be wary about it," he added.
The PNP did not identify the police officer. However, Acorda said the cop has been issued an Ordinance Violation Receipt by the Quezon City Traffic Enforcement Group for reckless driving.
According to PNP, the accident occured along the Santolan southbound station in Pasig City last Wednesday, Dec. 27.
A dashcam footage from the bus showed that a police vehicle suddenly entered the EDSA bus carousel lane from the right side, prompting the driver of the bus to maneuver the vehicle to the left portion of the lane to avoid a collision.
However, the bus hit the metal railings of MRT-3 which caused injury to five passengers. The footage of the incident was uploaded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Facebook.
Acorda said that under his leadership, the PNP emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards personnel misconduct.
"We place utmost importance on strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations, as well as the responsible utilization of government-issued vehicles," he said.
"The PNP remains dedicated to serving and protecting the Filipino people, while upholding the integrity of our esteemed organization and its core principles," he added.