A POLICE officer has been relieved from his duties following allegations that he failed to protect a motorcycle rider who was accosted and harassed by participants of a rally led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).
The incident drew public attention after a video of the confrontation circulated widely online, showing the officer standing by while the rider was surrounded, shouted at, threatened, and allegedly had his motorcycle keys taken away.
During a press briefing on Friday, July 3, PNP Public Information Chief Colonel Allen Rae Co confirmed that the patrolman, assigned to the Quezon City Police District Mobile Force Battalion, has been placed under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (PHAS).
He explained that this move is standard procedure and does not yet imply guilt; it simply ensures authorities can easily coordinate with the officer while the investigation proceeds. “It is for us to have quick access to him while the investigation is ongoing,” Co said, adding that the QCPD has been instructed to interview all involved parties and review the full circumstances of the incident.
The incident also drew criticism from Senator Raffy Tulfo, who called for the officer to undergo retraining to properly respond to similar situations.
In response, Co noted that while initial observations suggested the officer may have been trying to calm the situation and prevent further escalation, the police force is not ruling out any fault. “We wouldn’t like to make any conclusions,” he stated. The PNP added that it respects Tulfo’s concern and will seriously consider his recommendation for retraining if the investigation finds it necessary.
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