Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 17) — The Quezon City police officer who figured in a viral video over a traffic incident along Commonwealth Avenue has been reinstated, Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Tuesday.
In a statement, Belmonte thanked Quezon City Police District Director PBGen Rederico Maranan for Executive Master Sergeant Verdo Pantollano’s return to service after he was relieved earlier this month.
I strongly urged Gen. Maranan to reinstate relieved cop Pantollano following the clarification made by MMDA Chairman Rolando Artes that interrupting traffic flow as a courtesy to VIPs is normal practice,” she said.The mayor added an injustice was done against Pantollano whom she said was merely doing his job.
“We promote fairness and justice in our city and ensure that no one will bear the burden for something that is not their fault,” Belmonte said.
RELATED: Belmonte urges QCPD to reinstate cop who involved VP Sara in Commonwealth traffic delay
Pantollano was in a viral video taken by a netizen who wanted to know why motorists were not allowed to pass, to which the policeman said a VIP would be passing through. Pantollano then said “si VP [it’s the VP].”
Pantollano quickly apologized for the incident, saying he believed it was Duterte.
