The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is currently investigating two of its personnel who were caught by the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) for the unauthorized use of police markings while escorting Senator Francis Tolentino in Parañaque City on Wednesday.
HPG-NCR director Col. Neil Francia said the two were nabbed in an operation targeting unauthorized escorts and illegal blinkers and sirens.
Based on the report, the HPG observed clear “Police” and “Master Rider’s Badge” markings on the widescreen and both sides of the saddle box of the motorcycles of the two personnel.
“They said they were escorting former MMDA chairman, Senator Francis Tolentino. They were authorized as escorts as we provide security to senators and also to local government unit chief executives,” Francia said.
However, the two MMDA personnel, now under the custody of HPG-NCR, will be charged with the violation of Article 177 (usurpation of authority) and Article 179 (use of uniform or insignia) of the Revised Penal Code while their motorcycles are temporarily impounded at the field unit.
“We are coordinating with PNP-HPG and waiting for the official report. We will investigate the matter and act accordingly,” MMDA chairman Romando Artes said.
