The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced it has launched an investigation into a viral social media video showing a police officer’s response to a confrontation between a motorcycle rider and participants of an Iglesia Ni Cristo rally along EDSA.

The incident occurred near the People Power Monument on White Plains Avenue during the first day of the religious group’s assembly, when the rider attempted to pass through a section of the road occupied by demonstrators.

“Initial reports indicate that a verbal altercation occurred, which threatened to escalate into a physical confrontation,” the QCPD said. “The deployed officer intervened immediately to de-escalate the tension, prioritizing public safety and the restoration of order amid a large, dense crowd.”

The viral video shows a bystander asking the rider what happened, to which the rider responds in Tagalog, “They took it,” referring to his motorcycle key.

Reports disclosed that the rider expressed his frustration, shouting, “What are they fighting for? I am also a citizen of the Philippines.”

An alleged rally participant responded, “You may be a person, but do not speak. Do you want to die?”

The exchange drew a crowd, with several demonstrators urging others to return the rider’s key. Moments later, a police officer approached the scene and appeared to address only the rider rather than the demonstrators.

The encounter was raised during a Senate hearing, where Senator Raffy Tulfo urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to mandate retraining for the officer involved. Tulfo stressed that the PNP needs to improve personnel training for public confrontations and crowd control.

The PNP has identified the officer in the video, who critics say failed to protect the harassed rider.

“We would like to review everything that happened and to call the circumstances including the viral incident,” Police Col. Allen Ray Co, acting chief of the PNP Public Information Office, said during a press conference.

Co added that the QCPD has been directed to speak with all parties involved, including the officer, the rally participants, and the motorcycle rider, to determine the facts.