2 MMDA Personnel Pretending to Be Police Arrested
MMDA – Two personnel from the Metro Manila Development Authority were arrested by the Highway Patrol Group-National Capital Region (HPG-NCR) after being caught escorting a high-ranking government official on Thursday in Parañaque City.
The names of the two MMDA personnel were withheld, but they were apprehended for using Police and Master Rider Badge markings on their motorcycles. According to HPG-NCR Director Police Col. Neil Francia, the individuals were caught during the “Operasyon Wastong Hagad” along Diokno Avenue.
All vehicles using blinkers and sirens were stopped by HPG-NCR personnel in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive banning the use of sirens and blinkers. It was then discovered that the two escorts were not police officers but MMDA personnel, leading to their immediate detention for investigation.
Francia stated that while the MMDA can escort government officials, it is prohibited for them to use police markings if they are not police officers. The two MMDA personnel are now facing charges of usurpation of authority and illegal use of uniform insignia and are currently detained at the HPG-NCR facility in Camp Crame.
Meanwhile, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes stated that they are awaiting the official report on the case and are coordinating with the PNP regarding the issue. “We are coordinating with PNP-HPG and waiting for the official report. We will investigate the matter and act accordingly,” Artes said.
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is a government agency in the Philippines responsible for planning, monitoring, and coordinating the delivery of metro-wide services in Metro Manila. Established in 1975, it handles traffic management, solid waste disposal, flood control, urban renewal, and public safety. The MMDA enforces laws, policies, and regulations to promote the region’s orderly development and efficient operation, aiming to improve the quality of life for Metro Manila’s residents.