A Manila-based police officer has been relieved from his post and disarmed after a viral video of him drawing his gun during a road rage incident in Santa Ana, Manila, during the May 12 elections.
According to PNP Public Information Office Chief, Police Colonel Randulf T. Tuaño, the officer involved, holds the rank of Staff Sergeant and had just come from his post at a polling center when the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on F. Manalo Street, Barangay 897, Punta, Sta. Ana.
The video circulating online shows the off-duty, ununiformed cop engaging in a heated altercation with a civilian motorcycle rider.
At one point, the officer can be seen brandishing his firearm with his left hand while grabbing the rider’s jaw with his right—an act that has drawn strong public condemnation.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured that they had launched a full investigation through its Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG).
Meanwhile, nearby officers assigned to the Police Assistance Desk quickly intervened, defusing the situation before it escalated further.
Both parties were brought to the barangay for settlement, but administrative action proceeded despite the mediation.
The officer has since been reassigned to the District Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (DPHAS) of the Manila Police District and placed on “floating” status.
His service-issued firearms have also been confiscated and the PNP has filed charges of Grave Misconduct and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer against him.
PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, ordered the immediate investigation and emphasized the need for police to maintain public trust, especially in high-pressure situations.
“Seryoso natin itong tinutukan. Totoong may mga panganib na hinaharap ang ating mga pulis sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin, pero hindi ito rason para gumawa ng bagay na makakasira sa tiwala ng taumbayan,” said Gen. Marbil.
Marbil reminded all motorists to remain calm and respectful on the road and urged members of the police force to uphold professionalism and restraint in all encounters.
“Karapatan ng bawat Pilipino ang magkaroon ng isang pulisya na propesyonal, disiplinado, at tunay na tagapagtanggol ng kanilang karapatan sa lahat ng oras,” Marbil stressed.
The PNP also encouraged the public to continue reporting any misconduct, assuring swift and accountable action in line with its commitment to responsible public service.
