The **National Police Commission** (NAPOLCOM) has openly criticized the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) for the minimal charges imposed on a police officer involved in a viral road rage incident along C5 Road in Pasig City.
During a press briefing, NAPOLCOM Commissioner **Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan** expressed his frustration, stating that the charges of physical injuries and malicious mischief are inadequate given the nature of the incident.
“Alam mo kaya ako nagagalit, kakasuhan natin yung kapwa natin pulis ng physical injuries, malicious mischief,” said Calinisan.
Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan, NAPOLCOM Commissioner
Calinisan emphasized that the situation should be considered as frustrated murder, highlighting the gravity of the officer's actions.
The officer in question, **Police Staff Sergeant Erwin Baquiran Lagua**, had been involved in an altercation that was recorded and widely shared online. Reports indicate that the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, resulting in injuries to a civilian motorcycle rider.
- Incident involved a collision between a police vehicle and a motorcycle.
- Victim sustained injuries but reportedly recovered quickly.
According to **Police Lieutenant Colonel Edison Ouano**, head of the QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, the initial assessment took into account the victim's medical report, which indicated only minor abrasions.
Ouano later announced that they would be escalating the charges to frustrated murder, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
Lagua, in a public apology, expressed remorse for his actions, particularly towards the victim, whom he admitted to having harmed.
This incident is not an isolated one, as it mirrors broader concerns regarding police accountability in the Philippines. The call for stricter penalties reflects ongoing debates about the conduct of law enforcement officials.