PNP verifies leaked memo on 'overshadowing' busway incident

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it is currently verifying the authenticity of the leaked internal memorandum that allegedly detailed strategies to “overshadow" the ticketing incident involving a police convoy along the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) busway.

In a statement, the PNP maintained the “highest standards of transparency, accountability, and integrity in all its operations and communications.”

“We are aware of reports circulating regarding an alleged leaked memorandum and are currently conducting an internal verification process to determine its authenticity and context,” it added.

The PNP convoy was stopped by the authorities manning the busway when it traversed through the EDSA exclusive bus carousel lane last Tuesday evening.

PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil was mentioned when the convoy was apprehended by the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT).

Following the incident, an alleged memorandum circulated online, which the PNP said is now under investigation.

“We are aware of reports circulating regarding an alleged leaked memorandum and are currently conducting an internal verification process to determine its authenticity and context,” the PNP stated.

The PNP also lamented that it “does not condone any attempts to manipulate public perception or divert attention from matters of public concern.”

“We remain committed to accountability and due process in addressing any infractions involving our personnel,” it added.

The leaked memo was allegedly issued by the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR).

The alleged memo, labeled as confidential, outlines a strategic messaging addressed to the PNP’s target audience, such as the DOTr-SAICT, other government personalities, the general public, and the media, with the objective “to prevent the issue from generating further negative sentiments for the Chief PNP and the organization.”

The memo also designated the PNP Public Information Office as the exclusive unit authorized to comment on the matter and directed police regional offices to “amplify” operational accomplishments to “further overshadow the issue.”

The PNP has not confirmed or denied the authenticity of the memo.

On Wednesday morning, PNP spokesperson BGen. Jean Fajardo defended the convoy that used the EDSA busway, explaining that they are permitted during emergencies.

She further explained that the convoy was carrying “senior officers” whose presence in Camp Crame was “required” for a “closed-door meeting regarding an ongoing security operation.”

In a separate radio interview on Wednesday morning, Marbil refused to name the senior officers or confirm whether he was in the convoy, citing security concerns after the vehicle plate numbers were made public.