LTO orders PNP, officers to explain viral road-blocking incident along Taft Avenue

The Land Transportation Office has summoned two police personnel from the Ermita Police Station 5 for being involved in an obstruction incident near the Philippine General Hospital along Taft Avenue.

Last Wednesday, host and social media personality James Deakin shared a now-viral clip of a police patrol car blocking a motorist who had honked at the officers for cutting them off. The footage shows the vehicle blocking their path, only driving off once the traffic light turned red.

The LTO then issued a formal show cause order on Thursday to the Philippine National Police, the registered car owner, and the driver. They are asked to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division to explain why charges of reckless driving, obstruction of traffic, and improper Person to operate a motor vehicle should not be filed and why the driver's license should not be revoked.

A 90-day suspension has been imposed on the driver’s license of the driver involved. Consequently, the mobile patrol unit has been placed on alarm status to prevent any transactions pending the investigation.

"Ang hindi pagdalo o hindi pagsusumite ng komento sa itinakdang petsa ay ituturing na pagtalikod sa karapatan nilang marinig sa imbestigasyon na ito. Magpapatuloy ang LTO sa pag-iimbestiga at gagawa ng rekomendasyon batay sa mga impormasyon na nasa kanilang records. Maaari silang magpatulong sa isang legal counsel sa panahon ng imbestigasyon," the LTO said.

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Alfonso Saligumba III, commander of Ermita Police Station 5, the officers, who claimed the vehicle was having problems at the time, have already been interviewed.

Saligumba stated on Thursday that they have already requested more CCTV footage for the investigation.

He added that the two police officers have been relieved from their posts. Depending on the investigation's findings, they may face formal charges for serious neglect of duty.