SENATOR APOLOGIZES OVER ARREST OF MMDA ESCORTS

SENATOR Francis Tolentino on Thursday apologized to the public after two of his escorts from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were arrested in Parañaque City by members of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) last Wednesday for unauthorized use of police markings.

“My sincerest apologies to the public who I always strive to serve with integrity and transparency, and those concerned agencies affected,” Tolentino said in a statement.

Operatives of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) were conducting an operation against illegal motorcycle escorts at the corner of J.W. Diokno Avenue and ASEANA Avenue in Parañaque City at around 7 p.m. on Wednesday when they spotted the two MMDA personnel on motorcycles using blinkers while escorting a vehicle.

The MMDA personnel, a 64-year-old traffic aide III and 42-year-old traffic aide I, introduced themselves as MMDA enforcers.

The duo were questioned on why they had police insignias and “master rider’s badges” on their motorcycles and answered they were escorting a senator.

Tolentino, who is a former MMDA chairperson, admitted that the apprehended motorcycles are property of the MMDA, but emphasized that his office does not have any control as to what markings they carry.

The senator said he asked the agency to remove all stickers, whether decorative or even international decals, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

He urged authorities to further investigate the incident and identify the source of the ‘POLICE’ and ‘Master Rider’s Badge’ insignias used by his escorts. 

The HPG is preparing charges of usurpation of authority and illegal use of uniform or insignia against the arrested MMDA enforcers.