HPG chief resigns after viral video of cop hitting trainee in motorcycle riding course

File photo of the members of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group during a formation. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Highway Patrol Group (HPG) director Police Brig. Gen. Clifford Gairanod has resigned from his post after a viral video showing one of his officers hitting an Executive Motorcycle Riding Course trainee in Sariaya, Quezon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.

In a statement, PNP said Gairanod voluntarily relinquished his position after the police force received backlash over the viral video, which gave way to a police investigation.

It added that Gairanod also relieved the training officer and the rest of the staff involved from their respective post.

“Gairanod will be replaced by Police Col. Jay R. Cumigad, former Deputy Regional Director for Operations of Police Regional Office 3,” the police said.

For his part, PNP chief Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. commended Gairanod for his immediate action on the matter and ordered the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to investigate and determine other violations committed by the former HPG chief and police personnel involved.

The PNP also reminded its officers and personnel within and outside the bounds of their official functions “to religiously abide with its policies and guidelines and strict adherence to the rule of law in all its dealings, to include the conduct of different training.”

It added that it “will not tolerate any misconduct committed by its members.”

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