Police Staff Sergeant Rommel Palma (in a white hoodie) draws a firearm on a delivery rider and pulls the latter's helmet during a traffic altercation in Sta. Ana, Manila on May 12, 2025. (Raffy Tulfo In Action / Facebook)

A Manila Police District (MPD) intelligence officer who allegedly drew his service firearm on a delivery rider during a now-viral traffic altercation is now the subject of an investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

No less than PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) to conduct validation and investigation on the heated confrontation involving Police Staff Sergeant Romeo Palma and a Move It rider (identity withheld for security reasons) that occurred along F. Manalo Street in Brgy. 897, Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila around 2:30 p.m. last May 12.

According to a report, Palma, who was wearing civilian attire, was detailed at a polling center in Manila as part of covert security operations during the election period.

At the time, Palma was on his motorcycle on the side of the road when the delivery rider tapped the top box of the cop’s vehicle, signaling him to move a bit since traffic was at a standstill – unaware that Palma was a police officer.

This apparently irked Palma, who drew his firearm and repeatedly pulled the helmet of the delivery rider while introducing himself as a cop. A video of the incident has now gone viral on social media.

The delivery rider claimed that the cop pointed his gun at his hips and head at one point.

Moments later, two other cops in uniform assigned to a nearby Police Assistance Desk (PAD) arrived at the scene to pacify the situation. Bystanders were puzzled as it was the delivery rider who got handcuffed by the two responders, not Palma.

Both parties were later brought to the barangay for settlement.

According to the PNP, Palma was assigned to the MPD’s District Intelligence Division but has since been reassigned to the MPD’s District Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (DPHAS) following the incident.

He also surrendered his firearm and formally charged with grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Marbil reminded all motorists, including cops, to exercise patience, discipline, and composure while on the road, especially during traffic encounters.

He directed all police personnel to perform their duties with the highest standards of professionalism and to remain calm and collected “even in the face of provocation or threat.”

“The Filipino people deserve a police force that is professional, disciplined, and committed to protecting their rights at all times,” Marbil said.