3 PNP-HPG officers in EDSA busway incident relieved from posts

The three officers of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) who illegally used the EDSA busway and invoked the name of PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil have been relieved from their posts.

On Wednesday, PNP-HPG spokesperson Police Lieutenant Nadame Malang said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

“The personnel involved have been relieved, with two officers placed under the Admin Holding Unit pending investigation. Additionally, an officer who improperly invoked the name of PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil is also under investigation,” the PNP-HPG said in a statement.

GMA News Online asked Malang for the names, ranks, and designations of the involved personnel but he has yet to provide the information as of posting time.

PNP-HPG chief Police Brigadier General Eleazar Pepito Matta said there was no intention to override the mandate of the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT).

“While the officer’s remarks were made in the context of alleviating traffic congestion, we recognize the importance of adhering to proper protocols,” Matta said.

“Accountability is essential, and we are taking the necessary administrative actions to address this matter, he added.

According to a report by Nico Waje on 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday, a convoy of the PNP-HPG, which included a white van and another vehicle, was traveling northbound on the Ortigas section of the EDSA busway.

As they approached SAICT enforcers, they attempted to exit the lane but were pulled over. In a video, a PNP-HPG member was heard requesting the enforcers to suspend operations.

SAICT spokesperson Jonathan Gesmundo said that while the HPG convoy was being issued a traffic violation ticket, another vehicle with PNP markings arrived, claiming that Marbil had ordered the enforcers to stop operations.

This claim was denied by the PNP.

The EDSA busway, a dedicated bus lane, serves commuters from Caloocan City up to Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque City.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista clarified before that the following vehicles are authorized to use the busway:

• LTFRB-authorized buses for the EDSA busway route, including buses with special permits and/or franchises to operate on the EDSA busway route;
• on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, and Philippine National Police vehicles;
• service vehicles performing their duties for the EDSA Busway Project, including but not limited to construction, security, janitorial, and maintenance services within the EDSA Busway; and

the following top officials:

• President of the Philippines
• Vice President of the Philippines
• Senate President
• Speaker of the House of Representatives
• Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

— RSJ, GMA Integrated News