THE Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered a thorough investigation into a vehicular incident involving a marked police vehicle along the EDSA bus lane in Quezon City.

A video of the incident showing a passenger bus slamming into the police vehicle after the latter tried to enter the busway has gone viral.

“The Philippine National Police (PNP) acknowledges the recent viral vehicular incident that occurred on December 27, 2023, in Quezon City, involving a PNP vehicle.

The PNP has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. In line with this, the police officer involved has been relieved from duty pending investigation,” said PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean S. Fajardo.

The driver of the police vehicle was issued an Ordinance Violation Receipt by the Q.C. Traffic Enforcement Group for reckless driving, she added.

Following the incident, Col. Fajaro said that under the leadership of General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., the PNP emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards personnel misconduct.

Last November, the PNP barred members of the police force from using the EDSA busway while driving unauthorized motor vehicles . Violators will face administrative sanctions once apprehended, the Journal Group was told.

Camp Crame issued the memorandum regarding the usage of EDSA Bus Lanes amid continuing reports on unauthorized vehicles using the special lane, among them members of the police force.

“These apprehensions give a negative impact on the public perception of the entire PNP organization. In this regard, remind your personnel to avoid using the EDSA bus lane and lead by example as public safety officers,” said PNP Chief Directorial Staff Lieutenant General Emmanuel B. Peralta.

On orders of Gen. Acorda, the official said that ‘any personnel caught using the EDSA bus lane shall face administrative sanctions in accordance with existing laws, policies, rules and regulations.’

Col. Fajardo said all members of the police force have been reminded to strictly comply with the Camp Crame memorandum. The only exception is that when police are using clearly-marked PNP vehicles.

The Department of Transportation earlier specified the government vehicles that are allowed to use the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) busway aside from Land Transportation

The DoTR said five high-ranking government officials are allowed to use the EDSA busway are the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, Speaker of the House and the Chief Justice.

Also allowed to pass through the lane are on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, marked PNP vehicles and other service vehicles of government agencies involved in the EDSA busway.

Other vehicles serving as escorts for those five high-ranking officials are also allowed to pass through EDSA busway.

The MMDA has increased the fines and penalties up to P30,000 for illegally driving through the EDSA busway to deter repeat offenders.