HPG probes alleged escort-for-hire scheme of personnel

FILE PHOTO / Official Facebook page of the HPG Headquarters

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) said that an investigation is underway following a viral social media post by a woman claiming her husband “hired” an HPG escort for her.

In a now-expired Instagram story, social media “influencer” Mary Joy Santiago shared a photo of an HPG officer, with a caption praising her significant other for “hiring” the HPG escort.

READ: HPG nabs Tolentino’s 2 MMDA escorts for using sticker with PNP insignia

Santiago was also linked to actor McCoy de Leon and was rumored to have caused his breakup with Elisse Joson in 2023.

“How can I settle for less when my husband hired a [an] HPG escort para lang hindi ako ma traffic sa pupuntahan ko (so I don’t get [stuck in] traffic where I’m going)? (+ have my own driver and car),” the caption read.

But the HPG, in a statement on Friday, emphasized that it does not tolerate any “involvement in, or endorsement of, escort-for-hire services.”

A screengrab of a post shared by online motoring page Visor on Facebook

“Such activities are strictly against our existing protocols and regulations.” it clarified.

READ: PNP-HPG firm: MMDA escorts’ ‘police’ markings a violation

It noted that a probe had already been undertaken to determine the truthfulness and misunderstanding related to the issue.

“We assure the public that a thorough and transparent investigation process is underway maintaining the rule of law,” the HPG said.

It noted that possible criminal and administrative charges will be filed against their personnel who are proven to have violated their protocols.

Necessary cyber-crime related charges will also be filed to those who will post malicious information against the group.

HPG is a government-managed organization that ensures road safety in the country.