Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police, on Sunday reminded police personnel to strictly follow and respect traffic rules and regulations, stressing that compliance is a “non-negotiable duty” of every police officer.

Nartatez said police officers must serve as models of good conduct, noting that Filipinos expect law enforcers to take the lead in respecting laws and regulations.

“Wearing the police badge and uniform comes with a heavy responsibility and obligation to set a good example to do what is right at all times. As enforcers of the law, the people have high expectations that we take the lead in following and respecting the laws and other rules and regulations for peace, order, and safety. We should not fail them,” Nartatez said.

He issued the reminder following the relief of a Marikina police officer who blocked a responding fire truck.

Initial investigation showed that the police officer figured in a road altercation with the fire truck driver after the latter sounded his horn, which startled the officer and caused a near-miss with a tricycle.

Nartatez said police personnel are expected to immediately give way to ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, emphasizing that police authority must always be exercised with discipline and restraint, especially during emergencies where every second matters.

“Respect for emergency responders is not optional for any police officer. It is a basic duty tied to our oath. When lives are on the line, the role of the police is to help clear the way and provide support if necessary,” he said.

Giving way to emergency vehicles is mandatory under Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Under Section 49 of the law, drivers are required to immediately pull over to the right and stop whenever a police, fire or ambulance vehicle with sirens approaches, and to stay clear of intersections until the emergency vehicle has passed.

“This incident reminds us that firefighters, medics, and other civilian emergency responders are our partners in saving lives. The police must be the first to clear the way, not become an obstacle,” Nartatez said.

He stressed that the relief of the police officer goes beyond individual accountability and is meant to reinforce discipline across the organization.

“While we have acted decisively against the individual involved, we are also using this as a learning moment for the whole PNP,” Nartatez said.