Rizal PPO orders probe on viral cop caught riding without safety gear
The Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) has launched an investigation into a police officer who was caught on camera riding a motorcycle without wearing any protective gear, which has become viral on social media and earned the ire of netizens.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Feb. 21, Rizal PPO director Col. Eleazar Barber Jr. ordered a probe to identify the policeman as well as the details and context of the incident.
"Ang Rizal PPO ay may malinaw na patakaran hinggil sa mahigpit na pagsunod sa batas trapiko, kabilang ang mandatory na pagsusuot ng helmet alinsunod sa umiiral na batas at internal regulations ng Philippine National Police (PNP) (The Rizal PPO has a clear policy regarding strict compliance with traffic laws, including the mandatory wearing of helmets in accordance with existing laws and internal regulations of the Philippine National Police)," Barber said.
"Kung mapatutunayang may paglabag, hindi kami mag-aatubiling magpataw ng kaukulang administrative sanctions alinsunod sa umiiral na alituntunin. Ang aming hanay ay inaasahang maging ehemplo ng disiplina, integridad, at pagsunod sa batas sa lahat ng pagkakataon, lalo na sa publiko (If violations are proven, we will not hesitate to impose appropriate administrative sanctions in accordance with existing regulations. Our ranks are expected to be an example of discipline, integrity, and compliance with the law at all times, especially to the public)," he added.
The director explained that any means of violating the law is unacceptable, especially to the police force, noting that each and every Rizal policeman is expected to be a role model of following the law and maintaining discipline.
He also urged the public to report any misconduct or incident involving members of the police force.
"Ang Rizal PPO ay nananatiling bukas sa puna at patuloy na magsisilbi nang may katapatan at pananagutan sa mamamayan ng Lalawigan ng Rizal (The Rizal PPO remains open to feedback and will continue to serve with integrity and accountability to the people of Rizal Province)," the director noted.