Tuguegarao cop relieved after hitting motorist in viral video

A police officer in Tuguegarao City has been relieved from his post after he was caught on video hitting a motorist during a roadside incident.

“Ito pong police staff sergeant, siya po ay na-relieved na,” PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said at a press briefing.

(This police staff sergeant has been relieved.)

“At ongoing na rin ang kanyang pre-trial investigation para sa administrative case na simple misconduct,” he added.

(His pre-trial investigation for an administrative case of simple misconduct is also ongoing.)

The incident happened in front of a mall at around 6:10 a.m. on April 18.

Tuaño said the police officer struck the motorist after he allegedly became unruly. He added that the motorist was a suspect in a vehicular incident.

Police also said the motorist was allegedly intoxicated and was carrying a bladed weapon.

“May tamang proseso po tayong dapat sundin. Walang dahilan para saktan niya ang nasabing motorista,” Tuaño said.

(We have proper procedures that must be followed. There is no reason for him to hurt the motorist.)

Due to command responsibility, the officer’s adviser and the police community precinct commander were also relieved from their posts.—MCG, GMA News