COP IN QUEZON TRAFFIC ALTERCATION SACKED

A POLICE OFFICER who got involved in a traffic altercation with a truck driver and his helper on Thursday in Gumaca, Quezon was ordered relieved from his post.

Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) Director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas directed the immediate relief of Chief Master Sgt. Reynan Luminario of the Gumaca Municipal Police Station.

The incident, that went viral on social media, occurred on October 26 in front of a convenience store on Maharlika Highway in Bgy. Rizal, Gumaca town.

An investigation showed the police officer temporarily parked his vehicle, a Toyota Grandia van, on Maharlika Highway to make a quick stop at a nearby convenience store.

During the brief stop, the vehicle caused a traffic delay, which led to a truck driver repeatedly sounding his horn in frustration. Upon realizing the impact of his parked vehicle on traffic flow, the police officer promptly returned to his parked van.

It was at this point that the situation escalated when the truck driver and his helper allegedly threw nasty words towards the police officer resulting in a heated argument.

Further investigation revealed that based on a video circulating on social media, the helper of the truck driver was seen armed with a metal rod, attempting to attack the police officer, who was not wearing a police uniform when the incident happened.

The police officer allegedly slapped the helper on the back of his head.

PRO-Calabarzon under the leadership of Lucas takes allegations of misconduct of police officer seriously and is committed to impose appropriate actions.

“Our primary concern is to ensure that our officers uphold the highest standards of professionalism and conduct not only during official duties but also in all circumstances whether they are in uniform or not,” said Lucas.

“We will not tolerate any behavior that violates the trust and respect we have for the communities we serve,” he added.

The Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division has initiated an administrative investigation to determine whether the officer involved acted in accordance with the PNP’s ethical standard.

Appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Gumaca Municipal Police Station is conducting an investigation into the incident.

No criminal complaint has yet been filed against Luminario who will be assigned to the Quezon Personnel Holding Accounting Unit pending approval of the Commission on Elections.