MMDA official who shamed cop in viral video keeps job

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday that Gabriel Go will remain the head of its Special Operations Group-Strike Force (SOG-SF) although he has been ordered to undergo training, particularly on anger management.

As SOG-SF head, Go leads the MMDA body tasked to remove road obstructions in Metro Manila to allow the free flow of vehicles and pedestrians.

He recently drew flak after he shamed an apologetic policeman in Quezon City who had parked on the sidewalk as the SOG-SF was conducting clearing operations on March 25. The incident was captured in an online video which went viral, prompting the MMDA to say it will take disciplinary action against Go who also publicly apologized for the incident.

READ: MMDA exec apologizes for shaming cop during clearing op

As directed by MMDA Chair Don Artes, Go will undergo a five-day training mentorship coaching on traffic management, “focusing on leadership, courtesy and discipline and with special attention on stress and anger management.”

“Artes’ decision on Go is not a form of punishment, but more for his self-improvement,” the MMDA said in a statement.

The five-day training mentorship coaching shall be under the guidance of Edison Nebrija of the MMDA Traffic Education Division, who was Go’s predecessor before he was suspended in November 2023 after claiming that Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla had been apprehended for using the Edsa busway.

The MMDA Legal and Legislative Affairs Staff office also reprimanded Go for “simple discourtesy” with a stern warning that a similar incident would be dealt with more severely. An administrative complaint has been filed against him for discourtesy toward the police officer.

Maximum tolerance

“The MMDA constantly reminds its traffic enforcers to exercise maximum tolerance when dealing with unwarranted confrontation with traffic violators, address the matter in a diplomatic manner, and observe the highest degree of professionalism in all official dealings,” it said.

The MMDA earlier said it would provide legal assistance to Go after the policeman, Capt. Erik Felipe of the Quezon City Police District’s Anonas station, filed on April 3 a cyberlibel complaint in the city prosecutor’s office against him and the vlogger who posted the video.