NAPOLCOM launches motu proprio probe on police sergeant

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has ordered a motu proprio investigation into a police chief master sergeant who was caught on camera violating multiple traffic rules while riding his motorcycle.

In a statement, NAPOLCOM chief and commissioner Rafael Calinisan said he has tasked the NAPOLCOM’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to immediately initiate administrative proceedings against the erring police officer.

The police officer is reportedly assigned to the Eastern Police District.

“No one is above the law, especially those sworn to enforce it. I will not allow our policemen to swerve and protect themselves from accountability,” Calinisan said.

“We will not tolerate any act of misconduct by members of the Philippine National Police. Police officers must set the example by strictly adhering to the very laws they are mandated to enforce,” he added.

On Thursday, the Land Transportation Office imposed a 90-day suspension on the driver’s license of the policeman, who was shown wearing his police uniform while driving recklessly on a bike lane and without a helmet.

The viral video showed the policeman recklessly swerving on the bike lane several times.

The LTO also summoned the policeman and the registered owner of the motorcycle to explain why their driver’s licenses should not be revoked permanently.

The policeman may face charges of violating the mandatory use of motorcycle helmet and disregarding traffic signs.

However, the NAPOLCOM said the policeman was identified as both the registered owner and driver of the motorcycle in question, a Honda PCX 160 motorcycle.

The NAPOLCOM said it is working closely with the LTO to ensure that proper administrative and disciplinary actions are pursued against the police officer. — JMA, GMA Integrated News