PNP: Cop in EDSA busway incident faces criminal raps

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it has filed a criminal complaint against the police officer who was involved in a collision on EDSA Busway in Quezon City.

In a statement, the PNP said a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property was filed on Tuesday before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

“We hold our personnel to a high standard of accountability,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“Kasama sa tungkulin namin ang siguraduhing ang bawat kilos ay naaayon sa disiplina at responsibilidad na inaasahan ng publiko,” he added.

(Our duty includes ensuring that every action is in line with the discipline and responsibility expected by the public.)

Police Chief Master Sergeant Jenifer Bredico, who was driving the police-marked vehicle, earlier apologized for the incident.

“Humihingi po ako ng taos-pusong pasensya sa nagawa kong kamalian lalong-lalo na sa driver ng bus. Inaamin kong mali ang pagka-swerving ng sasakyan,” Bredico said.

(I apologize for my mistake, especially to the bus driver. I admit that I was wrong.)

On April 17, the PNP-marked vehicle, which was deployed for the government’s free ride program, and a commercial bus figured in a collision near Main Avenue in Barangay Socorro.

No injuries were reported but both vehicles sustained damage.

Following the incident, the cop was immediately relieved from his post at the Transportation and Maintenance Division. The officer-in-charge of the division was also relieved from the position.

For a possible administrative complaint, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) ordered an immediate investigation into the viral traffic incident. —AOL, GMA News