Cop who blocked fire truck in viral clip relieved from post — Marikina police

The police officer who went viral for blocking the path of a fire truck has been relieved, even after he reached a settlement with the owner of the emergency volunteer vehicle, the Marikina City police said.

The city police announced the development in a statement dated January 21, Wednesday, and posted on its official Facebook page on the evening of January 23, Friday.

According to the statement, the cop has also been reassigned and will face investigation.

"Nevertheless, considering that the incident was captured on video and for purposes of internal accountability, and in adherence to existing Philippine National Police policies, the involved police officer was temporarily relieved from his current post and reassigned to the Sub-Station, and thereafter designated to the Station Headquarters Support Unit (SHSU)," Police Colonel Jenny DC Tecson, officer-in-charge of the Marikina City police, said in the statement.

"He has likewise been directed to submit a written explanation to determine whether there is sufficient basis for a possible pre-charge, notwithstanding the amicable settlement reached by the parties," Tecson added.

The Land Transportation Office had previously issued a show cause order (SCO) against the cop, as well as the owner and driver of the fire truck, in the wake of the road incident that went viral on social media.

The Marikina City Police described the "brief" tension as "stem[ming] from a momentary misunderstanding."

"It was reported that the actions of the truck driver initially caused confusion, as it was unclear whether the vehicle intended to proceed or stop. As a result, the police vehicle continued moving forward. The truck then followed closely and suddenly sounded its horn loudly, which startled the police officer," it said.

The Marikina City police also reported a "near-miss incident" involving a tricycle as a result of the truck's movement.

Cooler heads prevailed between the cop and the truck owner as both sides have already reached an "amicable settlement," the statement said.

"Despite the brief tension, the situation quickly de-escalated and ended in light conversation between the parties... The owner of the truck personally reached out to apologize on behalf of his driver and expressed willingness to resolve the matter peacefully," it said.

"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," it added.

To recall, the driver and owner of the vehicle were asked to appear before the LTO Office on January 29, Thursday, to explain why they must not face charges for obstruction and license suspensions for being an "Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle."

The vehicle has also been placed under alarm while the license of the driver is temporarily suspended for 90 days.

The LTO has stressed the importance of ensuring that emergency vehicles are not obstructed in any way that can compromise their duties. — VDV, GMA Integrated News