The Marikina City Police Station announced on Friday, Jan. 23, that a police officer seen in a viral video blocking a fire volunteer truck has been temporarily relieved from his post.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) also issued a show cause order to the registered owner and driver of a Toyota Vios. The driver, who appeared to be a police officer, was seen in a video deliberately stopping in front of a fire truck to block its passage and making inappropriate remarks toward the fire truck driver.

The LTO directed the driver to appear before its Intelligence and Investigation Division in Quezon City on Jan. 29 at 1 p.m.

Based on the Marikina CPS investigation, the incident began with a brief misunderstanding on the road in Pasig City.

It said that the actions of the fire truck driver initially caused confusion, as it was unclear whether the vehicle intended to proceed or stop. The police officer then continued driving forward.

It added that the truck then followed closely and reportedly suddenly sounded its horn loudly, which startled the police officer.

“It was further noted that there was a near-miss incident involving a tricycle due to the truck’s maneuver,” it said.

Authorities said the situation quickly de-escalated and later ended in a brief conversation between the parties. The police officer and the owner of the volunteer fire vehicle have since reached an amicable settlement.

The parties also requested the removal of posts related to the video to put the matter to rest.

“The owner of the truck personally reached out to apologize on behalf of his driver and expressed willingness to resolve the matter peacefully. Both parties were brought together, and all involved agreed to put the incident to rest and requested the removal of posts related to the video,” authorities said.

However, in line with accountability and in adherence to Philippine National Police policies, the involved police officer was temporarily relieved from his post, reassigned to the Sub-Station, and later designated to the Station Headquarters Support Unit (SHSU).

He has also been directed to submit a written explanation to determine if there is enough basis for a possible pre-charge, despite the amicable settlement between the parties.

The LTO has also placed the vehicle under alarm status and suspended the police officer’s driver’s license for 90 days.

In a statement, LTO Chief Assistant Sec. Markus Lacanilao said that any action that obstructs emergency vehicles is unacceptable.

“Ang mga fire truck at iba pang emergency response na sasakyan ay may kritikal na tungkulin sa pagprotekta ng buhay at ari-arian ng mga mamamayan (Fire trucks and other emergency response vehicles play a critical role in protecting the lives and property of citizens),” he said.

“Ang pagharang sa kanilang daanan at paggawa ng hindi angkop na pag-uugali ay hindi lamang labag sa batas kundi labag din sa mga prinsipyo ng pagiging responsableng mamamayan at public servant kung sakaling ang nasangkot ay isang kawani ng gobyerno (Blocking their path and engaging in inappropriate behavior is not only against the law but also violates the principles of being a responsible citizen and, as a public servant, if the person involved is a government employee),” he added.

Meanwhile, the Marikina CPS, under Col. Jenny DC Tecson, assured the public that appropriate actions are being undertaken in accordance with established rules and procedures.