Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday directed unit commanders to conduct an inspection of their service vehicles to ensure that all units operating on public roads comply with license plate, identification, and documentation requirements. In a statement, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the wider inspection is intended to prevent lapses among police vehicles and reinforce accountability among personnel responsible for government motor pool assets.

According to Philippines News Agency, the directive came after a police vehicle assigned to the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) was spotted along Commonwealth Avenue without a license plate. A photo of the vehicle was posted on social media by an automotive and mobility news website on Sept. 9 and has since gone viral. Nartatez stated, "We treat this matter with utmost seriousness, and I have already ordered an immediate investigation to ensure that all rules on vehicle identification and road compliance are strictly upheld without exception."

The PNP confirmed that the vehicle was duly registered to the PSPG but stressed that its operation must comply with vehicle identification and license plate requirements. Nartatez directed the identification of the driver, detail officer, and immediate supervisor responsible for the operation of the vehicle, saying that any violation or administrative lapse will be addressed under PNP rules and due process. "No personnel is above the law, and our handling of this incident reflects our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the strict enforcement of due process within the organization," he added.