MANILA, Philippines — The two Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel arrested for “publicly and improperly using the insignia ‘POLICE’ and ‘Master Rider’s Badge’” have been released from police custody on Thursday.
Based on a release order addressed to the Regional Highway Patrol Unit-National Capital Region, a Parañaque court has ordered the release of Teofilo Labsan Padilla, 64, and Jonathan Alames Pacle, 42. ]
The document was sent by Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Director Col. Neil Francia to the media on Thursday evening.
“Unless otherwise detained for some other legal causes, you are hereby directed to release the above-named respondents, who are under your custody, for the complaint against respondents will undergo the preliminary investigation before the undersigned on June 24, 2024, at 1:00 PM,” the release order stated.
Francia earlier said that the two escorts were assigned to the MMDA’s traffic aide unit and allowed to provide security to Senator Francis Tolentino.
Based on the HPG’s report, the MMDA escorts were flagged down along J.W. Diokno Avenue and corner Aseana Avenue on Wednesday, May 29, after operatives noticed they were using sirens, which violates Presidential Decree 96 and Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01 (motorcycle vehicle operating with unauthorized accessories, and devices such as blinkers and sirens).
The release of Padilla and Pacle was also mentioned by Senator Francis Tolentino in a statement.
“I was just informed that said MMDA personnel were already released from detention for lack of sufficient evidence by the Department of Justice. According to the PNP-HPG director, the motorcycle riders were duly authorized,” Tolentino also said Thursday.
Tolentino likewise said that he personally asked the MMDA to immediately remove “all stickers, whether decorative or even intentional decals,” as well as “ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.”