The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced that it has launched an investigation into a viral video circulating on social media showing a police officer's response to a confrontation between a motorcycle rider and participants in the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) rally along EDSA near the People Power Monument on Tuesday. 

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

The incident occurred during the first day of the INC rally at the People Power Monument in Quezon City where a motorcycle rider attempted to pass through White Plains Avenue while rally participants were stationed at the major road. 

In the video, the rider was asked by a concerned bystander about what had happened. He replied "kinuha na nila" (they took it), referring to his motorcycle key. 

The rider later expressed his frustration, saying, "Ano ba ang ipinaglalaban [nila]? Tao rin naman ako sa Pilipinas (What are they fighting for? I'm also a citizen in the Philippines). 

An individual then responded, "Tao ka nga, huwag ka na magsasalita. Gusto mo bang mamatay?" (You are a person, but do not speak. Do you want to die?). 

The exchange drew the attention of nearby participants, with several people urging to return the key to the motorcycle rider.  

Moments later, a police officer approached the rider and appeared to speak directly to the rider.  

Citing the incident in the recent Senate hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to undergo the involved police in a retraining program, noting the authorities to improve the training of its personnel, particularly in handling public confrontations and crowd-control situations

The QCPD, however, called the motorcycle rider involved, as well as any witnesses in the incident, to come forward with the authorities for a comprehensive and impartial investigation.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the police officer seen in the viral video who allegedly failed to protect the motorcycle rider, who was reportedly harassed during the INC rally at the People Power Monument.

“We would like to review everything that happened and to call the circumstances including the viral incident,” Police Colonel Allen Ray Co said during a PNP press conference. 

“The QCPD has already been directed to talk to all families concerned, not only with the policeman but to those rally participants, as well as, one of the most important, the rider to determine what really happened," the PNP-Public Information Acting Chief added.

Co noted that the authority also acknowledged the concerns of Senator Raffy Tulfo and will take into consideration the recommendation of the public official for the police officer involved to undergo a retraining program, if warranted by the results of the investigation.