Napolcom fires MPD cops amid red-light violation video
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced Wednesday that its en banc panel voted unanimously to dismiss two Manila Police District (MPD) patrolmen from the service after finding them guilty of administrative infractions stemming from a viral traffic incident and subsequent false claims.
Patrolmen Algrene Ar-ar Mirano Alcause and Jerome Caballa Toledo were dismissed for less grave irregularity in the performance of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan stated that the decision reflects the commission’s commitment to eliminating impunity within the ranks and restoring public trust in law enforcement.
The administrative case originated from a 5 February incident along Taft Avenue in Manila, where the two patrolmen, operating a marked police cruiser, allegedly cut off a motorist and ran a red light.
Video footage of the event circulated widely on social media platforms.
During an initial inquiry, the officers claimed they were responding to a call for assistance and that their patrol car had suffered a mechanical breakdown. However, they later recanted the statements and issued a public apology after preventive maintenance logs directly contradicted their claims.
“What is even more disappointing is that they did not just commit a wrongdoing; they lied to me personally when they appeared before the commission to explain their actions,” Calinisan said.
“They deliberately misrepresented the facts. If they can lie to the commission itself, how can the public expect them to be honest with the people?” he added.
In its final ruling, the commission determined that the officers’ admissions, combined with video evidence and maintenance documentation, fully established their administrative liability.
The en banc panel reclassified the initial charge of less grave misconduct to less grave irregularity in the performance of duty, absorbed a secondary charge of simple misconduct, and ordered their summary dismissal due to the severe reputational damage inflicted on the Philippine National Police.
Napolcom officials stressed that the commission will maintain rigorous disciplinary oversight to ensure police personnel uphold professional standards and remain accountable to the public.