Tolentino backs probe of escorts

MANILA, Philippines — New Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino yesterday expressed support for an investigation of his two Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) escorts.

Tolentino’s escorts were apprehended  on Wednesday night for the improper use of a police insignia and a “master rider’s badge” as well as for using sirens during the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) operation against “illegal motorcyle escorts.”

“The recent incident involving two temporary MMDA motorcycle riders apprehended for having allegedly used commercially available PNP stickers attached to their vehicles, should further be investigated even as to the source of their decals,” Tolentino said in a statement, referring to the Philippine National Police.

The senator said he has directed the MMDA to remove all unauthorized stickers on its motorcycles.

“The apprehended motorcycles are property of the MMDA. This is an internal MMDA matter. My office does not have any control as to what markings they attach on their vehicles, or even their helmets or belts,” he said.

Tolentino pointed out that “no violation of existing laws relative to insignias was committed as the stickers were not attached to their uniforms. I want to assure the public that I supported the authorities involved in the investigation conducted.”

He said he was informed that the apprehended MMDA escorts were “released from detention for lack of sufficient evidence by the Department of Justice” and that “the motorcycle riders were duly authorized.”

“My concern right now is the physical and mental safety of the MMDA personnel as they were detained by the HPG and they have been provided with legal assistance,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino has an escort with sirens even though President Marcos issued Administrative Order 18 that bars government officials and personnel from using blinkers, sirens and other signaling and flashing devices.

The administrative order only allowed the use of “wang-wang” on official vehicles of the police, military, fire departments, hospitals and the National Bureau of Investigation.