Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has initiated an impartial investigation into a viral collision on the EDSA Busway involving a police-marked vehicle and a public utility bus. This move comes amid questions about potential violations of standard operating procedures and the accountability of the officers involved.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that they are currently verifying operational documents to determine whether the police-marked vehicle was on official duty during the time of the crash. Gen. Nartatez emphasized the importance of adhering to deployment protocols, stating, "If this was not an emergency or a legitimate operation, then it's a clear violation of our deployment protocol. There is no official lane for police officers who have no official business. We will hold the driver and the supervisor accountable."

The initial investigation revealed that a PNP-marked lightbus, part of the Libreng Sakay (Free Ride) program, collided with a civilian passenger bus along EDSA northbound near Main Avenue, Barangay Socorro in Cubao, Quezon City, on April 17. Witnesses captured the aftermath on video, with some passengers claiming that the PNP vehicle had swerved.

Although no injuries were reported and only minor property damage occurred, Gen. Nartatez has ordered an administrative review to thoroughly examine the incident's circumstances and assess whether proper protocols were observed. The investigation will also evaluate command supervision and potential disciplinary lapses within the involved unit.