Quezon city: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has initiated an impartial investigation into a reported EDSA Busway collision involving a vehicle marked for police use and a public utility bus. Questions have arisen regarding potential breaches of standard operating procedures and the accountability of the involved officers.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that the agency is examining operational documents to determine if the police vehicle was officially deployed at the time of the incident. "If this was not an emergency or a legitimate operation, then it's a clear violation of our deployment protocol," stated Nartatez. He emphasized that there are no special lanes for police officers without official business and vowed to hold the driver and supervisor responsible if any misconduct is confirmed.

The initial investigation reveals that a police-marked lightbus, part of the Libreng Sakay (Free Ride) program, collided with a civilian passenger bus on April 17 along EDSA northbound near Main Avenue in Barangay Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City. A passenger of the civilian bus shared a video post-collision, with voices in the background suggesting the PNP vehicle swerved.

A police officer involved was observed asking the civilian bus driver for identification. Despite the collision resulting in only minor property damage and no reported injuries, Gen. Nartatez has mandated an administrative review to assess the incident's circumstances and verify adherence to protocols.

The investigation will also scrutinize command supervision and potential disciplinary lapses within the involved unit.