Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that it would not tolerate manipulation of opinion or attention diversion over a supposed gag order on the EDSA busway fiasco that leaked online.
The Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation has flagged unmarked sports utility vehicles, which were allegedly a convoy of PNP chief PGen Rommel Marbil, on the EDSA busway.
A supposed leaked memorandum has circulated online that listed strategies to contain the issue and avoid further negative comments on Marbil and the police force.
In a statement on Thursday, Feb. 27, the PNP said it is verifying the authenticity of the memorandum.
“Pinanghahawakan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang pinakamataas na antas ng transparency, accountability, at integridad sa lahat ng aming operasyon at komunikasyon,” it said.
[Translation: The PNP upholds the highest level of transparency, accountability, and integrity in our operations and communication.]
“Naninindigan kami sa accountability at due process sa paghawak ng anumang paglabag na kinasasangkutan ng aming mga tauhan,” the PNP said.
[Translation: We maintain accountability and due process in handling any violation that involves our personnel.]
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said he asked Marbil to attend an emergency meeting regarding a kidnapping case, but he denied giving instructions to violate traffic laws.
The busway, or the innermost lane of EDSA, is exclusive for buses, on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, and police and service vehicles. The president, vice president, Senate president, House speaker, and chief justice are permitted on the dedicated lane as well.
