The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) on Sunday announced that it is launching an impartial investigation into the incident where a police officer allegedly fired his gun in the middle of traffic along Makati Avenue in Makati City.

In a statement, IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay said that they are already exercising their motu proprio authority to thoroughly investigate the incident and address any lapses in operational procedures.

He added that the probe will closely examine the events leading up to the firearm discharge, focusing on potential violations of police procedures or misconduct.

“Our mission is twofold —to oversee the actions of PNP personnel and to preserve the public’s trust in the police force. Accountability is a cornerstone of our commitment to upholding the integrity of the PNP,” Dulay said.

“Any officer found violating the law or standard procedures will face appropriate consequences,” he added.

To recall, the incident came to light when ACT Teachers Partylist Representative France Castro claimed to have witnessed the shooting from her car on the night of 11 December 2024.

Castro initially reported the incident as occurring in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, but later corrected the location to Makati City.

Castro alleged that a policeman, after stepping out of a patrol car, fired his weapon in an area crowded with civilians.

In response to the incident, the chief of the Makati City Police Station, the commander of Sub-Station 6, and the officer involved have been relieved of their posts.

The PNP-IAS investigation will seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the officer’s actions were justified and whether any police protocols were violated.