The Philippine National Police (PNP) defended the passage of its senior officers through the EDSA Busway, noting that it is indicated in their guidelines to use the exclusive lane during emergencies.
According to PNP Spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo, the convoy used the carousel to attend a security meeting at Camp Crame.
While they were reportedly aware of the policy regarding the busway, Fajardo stressed that the guidelines permit police officers to use it in emergency situations.
"Pero hindi naman po nakapagtalo itong convoy at nakiusap na lamang po na hayaan po munang maihatid po ‘yung ating officer po sa Camp Crame at bumalik po sila para kunin po ‘yung ticket na intended po doon sa kanilang supposed violation," Fajardo told reporters.
Fajardo, on the other hand, chose not to disclose the identities of the senior police officials inside the vehicles, citing security reasons.
"For security reasons po ay hindi na po natin idi-divulge ang identities po ng mga laman po ng convoy. What we can confirm po ay these are senior officers po holding sensitive positions," Fajardo explained.
"But considering po na nailabas na po ‘yung mga video including po ‘yung plaka ng sasakyan, kailangan din po nating proteksyunan po ‘yung kanilang security," she added.
On Tuesday evening, personnel from the Department of Transportation-Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) intercepted the alleged convoy of PNP Chief Rommel Marbil after it traveled through the EDSA Busway.
DOTr-SAICT recorded video footage showing the convoy, which included HPG motorcycles and two SUVs.
PNP Chief Marbil has yet to comment on the incident.
