Screengrab from DOTr Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has initiated a thorough investigation into the road crash involving a bus and a police car along the Edsa bus carousel lane on December 27.
Based on previous reports, around five passengers were injured after a bus hit an MRT-3 railing while trying to avoid a police car that suddenly entered the lane.
The PNP said it likewise relieved the police officer from his duty pending investigation and had already issued an Ordinance Violation Receipt against him for reckless driving.
“The PNP emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards personnel misconduct. We place utmost importance on strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations, as well as the responsible utilization of government-issued vehicles,” the police organization said in a statement on Thursday evening.
READ: Police car veering into bus lane causes road crash on Edsa; 5 hurt
According to the Department of Transportation, the five passengers were brought to Quirino Memorial Medical Center for medical treatment and were later discharged.
The Department of Transportation reminded the public that only Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-authorized buses, on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, service vehicles performing their duties for the Edsa Busway Project, and convoys of top government officials are permitted to use the exclusive bus lane.
Only the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Supreme Court Chief Justice are government officials who can use the lanes.