PCG member in viral SLEX video under recall

The motorcycle rider that went viral on social media after entering the South Luzon Expressway using a below 400 CC requirement, which turned out to be a personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard, is now under recall and is restricted from entering the PCG.

Identified as a junior officer, CG Ensign Alain Anthony Agpalo also faces suspension and revocation of his driver's license from the Land Transportation Office if found violating road regulations.

Also on Monday, PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, ordered the investigation against Agpalo, who was the subject of a viral video last week, posted by "X Vlogs."

On 4 January 2024, the Coast Guard Intelligence Force received a letter from the Intelligence and Investigation Division of the LTO that CG Ensign Agpalo was identified as the rider of the Suzuki motorcycle (below 400cc) that illegally entered SLEX and refused to stop when enforcers flagged him down.

'We assure the public that we will cooperate with the LTO investigation. We will also conduct a parallel investigation and sanction CG Ensign Agpalo based on the evidence.'

But later, Agpalo posted on his Meta (Facebook) account, stating that he was not urging other riders to imitate what he did, adding that he just did it to experience passing by SLEX using a motorcycle.

Agpalo has also been directed to submit a written explanation as to why he should not be administratively charged for disregarding traffic signs and reckless driving, as well as why his driver's license should not be suspended or revoked.

"We assure the public that we will cooperate with the LTO investigation. We will also conduct a parallel investigation and sanction CG Ensign Agpalo based on the evidence," CG Admiral Gavan expressed.

"Here in the Philippine Coast Guard, we do not tolerate officers or personnel violating existing laws and regulations implemented by other agencies. They must face the consequences of their actions," the Coast Guard Commandant stated.