A National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) employee was arrested on Friday after he allegedly pulled a gun on a transport network vehicle service (TNVS) driver during a road confrontation in Mandaluyong City.
The TNVS driver, identified only as Rene, said he was driving northbound on EDSA near the Asian Development Bank when he tried to change lanes. The suspect refused to give way, leading to a collision. Rene also claimed he saw the suspect using a cellphone while driving.
A traffic enforcer from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) arrived at the scene. The driver said he got out of his vehicle and saw the suspect brandishing a firearm and threatening him. The suspect then identified himself as a NAPOLCOM employee.
The MMDA enforcer said he was shocked when the suspect drew his firearm. "I was shocked and stepped back. I was really scared because it was my first time experiencing something like this... He definitely had a gun," he said.
The victim fled and sought help from a nearby police officer. The 59-year-old suspect was arrested and taken to the Mandaluyong City Police Station. Authorities recovered a 9mm firearm and a NAPOLCOM ID from him.
Mandaluyong City Police Chief Police Colonel Reynan Patam said they are verifying the suspect's identity and firearm. Police are also awaiting the results of a breathalyzer test to determine if the suspect was under the influence of alcohol.
The 42-year-old victim said he will press charges. "I was terrified for my family. If he had killed me, my family would have been left alone," he said tearfully.
Patam advised motorists to stay calm while driving. "We should just be calm and avoid getting angry because everything can be settled through proper conversation."
The victim urged NAPOLCOM to discipline its personnel. "My message to NAPOLCOM is that their personnel should be disciplined, so they don't just pull out their guns over incidents like this."
NAPOLCOM Condemns Incident
NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan on Saturday condemned the suspect's actions, identified as Police Inspector III Jaime Hermogenes Jularbal Flores, Jr., assigned to the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service.
"I strongly condemn the actions of this employee... I immediately ordered an administrative investigation. NAPOLCOM will also support any legitimate investigation and criminal charges that may be filed," Calinisan said.
"In the name of NAPOLCOM, I apologize to the TNVS driver. Such behavior from a public servant is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of the Commission."
Calinisan also commended the responding police officers. "Their fast and professional response proves there are police officers who remain true to their duty and ready to enforce the law without bias."
"There is no room in NAPOLCOM for this kind of behavior. Being a government employee is not a license to threaten, abuse, or show power," he added.
The commissioner urged the public not to tolerate such acts. "Because he is our employee, he will be held more accountable. A higher standard is expected of a public servant. No one will be excused. Those who violate the law will be held accountable."