A policeman in Quezon City was removed from his post after a video implying he stopped traffic along Commonwealth Avenue to allow the convoy of Vice President Sara Duterte to pass weng viral.
Duterte’s office called on the Quezon City Police District to investigate the incident, adding they did not make any request to halt traffic.
“The claims in the video are not only misleading but also outright false. I strongly condemn any actions that disrupt the daily lives and well-being of our fellow citizens,” the Vice President said.
“My commitment to ensuring the welfare and convenience of the Filipino people remains unwavering,” she added.
The QCPD has since apologized for the incident, adding that the cop, identified as Master Sgt. Pantallano, “overreacted.”
“The QCPD would like to clarify that the recent traffic management operation was not, in any manner, related to politics,” QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said in a statement.
“In particular, we extend our apologies to the Office of the Vice President for any unintended association with this matter, as the VP was not the subject of the security measures taken during that time,” he added.
According to Lt. Col. May Genio, commander of QCPD Station 14, Pantallano was told that a “VIP” will be passing through the area.
“Because the uploader [of the video] was loud and talking to him, there was confusion when he answered,” Genio said.
“He just misheard. Instead of VIP, he said VP. But VP Sara did not come from him, it was from the uploader of the video,” Genio added.