Viral Marikina cop relieved from post

The Marikina police officer who recently went viral has been relieved of his post and faces a potential administrative case after a viral video showed his vehicle allegedly obstructing a fire volunteer truck.

The Marikina City Police Station announced the officer’s relief Sunday, citing Philippine National Police (PNP) policies on internal accountability. While the department noted that the parties involved had reached an “amicable” settlement, the officer has been reassigned to the Station Headquarters Support Unit pending a formal investigation.

The incident, which circulated widely on social media, reportedly began with a “momentary misunderstanding” on the road.

According to a police statement, the fire truck driver’s maneuvers were unclear, prompting the officer to move forward. The truck driver then followed closely and sounded a loud horn, which reportedly startled the officer.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has since intervened, issuing subpoenas to both the officer and the fire truck driver to appear before the Intelligence and Investigation Division in Quezon City on 29 January.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary V. Lacanilao said emergency vehicles have a critical role in protecting lives and property.

“Blocking their path and engaging in inappropriate behavior is not only against the law but also contrary to the principles of a responsible citizen and public servant,” Lacanilao said.

The LTO has placed a 90-day preventive suspension on the involved driver’s license.

Both parties must submit sworn explanations to determine if they should be held liable for obstruction or deemed “improper persons to operate a motor vehicle.”

The vehicle involved in the incident has also been placed under an “alarm status” as the investigation continues.

Meantime, the Marikina police said the officer was directed to submit a written explanation to determine if there is sufficient basis for a pre-charge evaluation. Authorities have not yet released the specific date or location of the initial confrontation.