A Manila Police District (MPD) intelligence officer who allegedly brandished his service firearm at a delivery rider during a now-viral traffic altercation is under investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has directed the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) to validate and investigate the incident involving Police Staff Sergeant Romeo Palma and a Move It rider (identity withheld for security reasons). The confrontation occurred along F. Manalo Street in Brgy. 897, Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila at around 2:30 p.m. on May 12.
According to a report, Palma, who was wearing civilian attire, was detailed at a polling center in Manila as part of covert security operations during the election period.
At the time, Palma was on his motorcycle on the side of the road when the delivery rider tapped the top box of the cop’s vehicle, signaling him to move a bit since traffic was at a standstill – unaware that Palma is a police officer.
Apparently irked, Palma drew his firearm and repeatedly pulled the helmet of the delivery rider while introducing himself as a policeman. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media.
The delivery rider claimed that the cop pointed his gun at his hips and head at one point.
Moments later, two other officers in uniform assigned to a nearby Police Assistance Desk (PAD) arrived at the scene to pacify the situation. Bystanders were puzzled after the delivery rider was handcuffed by the two responders.
Both parties were later brought to the barangay for settlement.
According to the PNP, Palma, a member of the MPD’s District Intelligence Division, was reassigned to the MPD’s District Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (DPHAS) following the incident.
He also surrendered his firearm and was formally charged with grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Marbil reminded all motorists, including cops, to exercise patience, discipline, and composure while on the road, especially during traffic encounters.
He directed all police personnel to perform their duties with the highest standards of professionalism and to remain calm and collected “even in the face of provocation or threat.”
“The Filipino people deserve a police force that is professional, disciplined, and committed to protecting their rights at all times,” Marbil said. (Martin Sadongdong)
