A Quezon City police staff sergeant is facing complaints for frustrated murder and malicious mischief after he was caught on video pushing another motorcycle rider along C5 Road in Pasig City on May 12, causing the victim to crash onto the road in an incident that triggered criminal, administrative and traffic-related proceedings.
The incident took place at around 5:30 p.m. along the northbound lane of C5 Road. A report from the police Highway Patrol Group said the officer, assigned to the Quezon City Police District Mobile Force Battalion, was riding a Yamaha TFX 150 motorcycle, while the victim was aboard a Honda Click motorcycle.
Footage posted on Visor’s Facebook page showed the policeman using his left hand to shove the victim’s motorcycle. The rider lost control and fell onto the road while the policeman continued driving instead of stopping to assist. The video drew criticism online because the crash occurred on a major Metro Manila road, where accidents involving moving traffic can quickly result in serious injuries.
According to DZBB, complaints for frustrated murder and malicious mischief have already been filed against the officer. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered an investigation into the incident and withheld the policeman’s identity.
“The PNP reiterates that any personnel found to have violated laws or rules shall be held accountable and subjected to administrative and criminal proceedings,” Nartatez said.
Metro Manila police director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said the QCPD detained the policeman following the incident.
The Land Transportation Office also issued a show cause order, preventively suspended the officer’s driver’s license for 90 days, placed his motorcycle under alarm and ordered him to appear at an LTO hearing on May 18 at 11 a.m.
“Walang puwang sa lansangan ang anumang uri ng karahasan, panggigipit, o iresponsableng pagmamaneho kahit sino pa ang sangkot. Hindi exempted ang sinuman sa batas,” LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said.
