LTO summons Skyway patrol officer over viral counterflow video

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is preparing to issue a show-cause order to a Skyway patrol officer caught on camera performing a dangerous counterflow maneuver and U-turn on the Skyway Stage 3.

The investigation follows a viral dashcam video posted by the social media page “Motochismis.” The footage, dated 25 January at approximately 10:44 a.m., shows a patrol motorcycle making a sudden U-turn near the C3 exit/ramp, forcing a Mitsubishi Adventure to slam on its brakes to avoid a collision.

The anonymous motorist who submitted the video said the officer provided no sirens or warning gestures before the maneuver.

“I was shocked because I wasn’t expecting someone would do that,” the motorist said. “Good thing we were within the speed limit.”

According to the sender, the patrolman claimed the maneuver was for a “visitor.” When the motorist reported the incident to a second patrolman nearby, that officer suggested it might have been an emergency but noted such turns should not be made without sirens.

LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) has formally requested assistance from Manila Toll Expressway Systems Inc. to identify the motorcycle and its rider, as the license plate was unclear in the viral footage.

“The IID has also requested access to all available CCTV or traffic monitoring footage from all angles that may have captured the patrol’s direction before, during and immediately after the incident,” the LTO said in a statement.

Once identified, the rider and the motorcycle owner will be ordered to explain why they should not be held accountable for violating traffic laws.

“Road safety is the responsibility of all road users, including those tasked with maintaining order,” Lacanilao said. “If a violation is proven, we will show that the LTO is fair but strict in implementing regulations to maintain safe travel for all motorists.”