Two students were injured after a police patrol car crashed into the tricycle they were riding in Cotabato City.

CCTV footage showed the police vehicle approaching the intersection on Sinsuat Avenue and Bobong Road in Barangay Datu Balabaran with its siren on when the tricycle, commonly known as “payong-payong,” crossed the road.

The patrol car then crashed into the tricycle, causing both the driver and his passenger to be thrown off the vehicle.

The victims, both students of a local madrasa school and of legal age, sustained injuries and were brought to a hospital by police personnel on board the patrol car involved.

The patrol car belongs to the Police Regional Office-SOCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12).

According to the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO), the expenses for the victims’ medical treatment will be shouldered by the PNP.

The driver of the police vehicle, who holds a valid license, has expressed willingness to face possible charges.

“It will be shouldered on the side of the PNP and, at the same time, willing naman yung driver ng mismong patrol car na yon, lisensyado naman po. Willing naman, haharap kung meron silang pananagutan,” CCPO Spokesperson, Lt. Rochelle Evangelista, said.

Police said the patrol car was reportedly responding to a separate incident at the time of the collision.

CCPO also reminded the public that “payong-payong” tricycles are prohibited from traversing the national highway based on a city ordinance.

“Nakita doon sa payong-payong natin na walang plate number. And at the same time, bawal kasi ang payong-payong na tumawid sa national highway.  Hindi because ayaw natin silang maghanapbuhay as payong-payong or personal nila na gagamitin, it’s because of safety. Kaya dito sa Cotabato City, may ordinance naman ang ating lokal na pamahalaan na EO 4871 na nagsasabi na dapat yung payong-payong ay hindi nagta-traverse sa national highway,” Evangelista added.