An enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) appeared at the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Thursday to issue a public apology regarding a road clearing operation in Quezon City during which he berated a policeman for a parking violation.
Gabriel Go, head of the MMDA Special Operations Group Strike Force, apologized to Capt. Erik Felipe and the entire Philippine National Police (PNP) organization for the incident. “It was not my intention to tarnish the good reputation of the PNP,” he declared.
Go also apologized to Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan who accompanied him during the press briefing.
The public apology came a day after Calinisan announced that Felipe was considering filing a criminal complaint against Go.
The incident involving Go and Felipe was recorded on video and went viral on social media.
Calinisan and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito criticized Go, emphasizing that while it was appropriate to issue citation tickets to police officers who violate traffic rules—because no one is above the law—it is unacceptable to humiliate someone for social media purposes.
The MMDA has been conducting road clearing operations to ensure smooth traffic flow, especially along Mabuhay Lanes, which motorists use to avoid the congested Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.
The team headed by Go was spearheading the road clearing operation in coordination with local government units.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes emphasized the importance of peaceful negotiation instead of resorting to violence for those affected by the clearing operations. He also instructed him men exercise maximum tolerance at all times.
These clearing operations are also part of the MMDA's intensified efforts to keep key routes in Metro Manila free from obstructions.
The MMDA leadership acknowledges the seriousness of the recent incident involving Go and was addressing it with full accountability.
Artes bared that Go resigned from the agency in June 2023, but was rehired in November of the same year.
“We, the officials of MMDA, consistently remind all our employees that we are public servants and should treat everyone with respect and utmost courtesy. Even in times of aggression, we must exercise maximum tolerance and compassion,” said Artes.
“However, we are only human. We get tired, and sometimes our zealousness in enforcing traffic laws gets the better of us. Mr. Go is a dedicated MMDA enforcer. If he made a mistake, we will ensure he receives due process and appropriate penalties,” he added.
The MMDA chief confirmed that a show cause order has been issued to Go.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “MMDA special ops chief offers public apology for ‘shaming’ cop”