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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nartatez tells PNP to uphold public trust after 2 rookie cops' traffic altercation with motorist

Nartatez tells PNP to uphold public trust after 2 rookie cops' traffic altercation with motorist

Published Feb 20, 2026 01:56 pm
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (File photo: OCPNP)
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (File photo: OCPNP)
Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police personnel on Friday, Feb. 20, to uphold discipline and protect public trust after two rookie cops were involved in a now-viral traffic altercation with a civilian motorist in Manila.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) identified the officers as Patrolmen Jerome Toledo and Algrene Alcause, both assigned to Ermita Police Station under the Manila Police District (MPD).
They were relieved from their posts by the Napolcom on Thursday after a dashcam video showed alleged unprofessional behavior toward a civilian motorist along Taft Avenue near the Philippine General Hospital.
Nartatez stressed that the police organization does not condone abuse of authority, underscoring that professionalism must guide every action of a police officer.
“We do not tolerate any form of misconduct or overstepping of authority within our ranks. As police officers, we must carry the badge with responsibility—and integrity and professionalism must always guide our actions,” PGEN Nartatez said.
The video, which has gone viral, showed the police patrol vehicle suddenly switching lanes and allegedly cutting off a Toyota Vios.
The motorist claimed the officers became angry when he honked at them. The footage showed the patrol vehicle stopping in front of the motorist at a green light, and later sped off while the traffic light was red.
The officers apologized for the incident and initially claimed their vehicle had mechanical trouble. They said they tried to overtake another vehicle because someone needed police assistance and added that the motorist may have thought they cut him off.
Nartatez directed the MPD and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to conduct a prompt parallel administrative investigation.
He said the probe must be done in coordination with the Napolcom, which earlier announced it would file administrative charges in connection with the incident.
The PNP chief emphasized that every police officer carries the badge with responsibility, and stated that actions which erode public confidence will not be ignored.
“To the public, please know that you have the right to be treated with respect by our personnel. Huwag po kayong matakot magsumbong kung kayo ay nakaranas ng pang-aabuso o maling pagtrato,” Nartatez said.
“The PNP is an institution of service, and we are continuously working towards a professional organization that the Filipino can fully trust and rely on,” he added.

Related Tags

MPD PNP NCRPO traffic altercation
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