The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has clarified that Special Operations Group–Task Force Road Clearing head Gabriel Go has not been suspended but has been temporarily barred from joining clearing operations while an investigation into a viral apprehension incident is ongoing.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said Go remains an employee of the agency but will not be assigned to road-clearing operations until the probe is completed.
“His participation in clearing operations is currently held in abeyance pending the result of the investigation,” the MMDA said in a statement.
The controversy arose from a video posted on Go’s personal Facebook account that showed the apprehension of a public school teacher riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
During the operation, Go told the teacher, “Teacher, ka tapos wala kang helmet? Paano natin tuturuan ang ating mga estudyante kung ganun?”
The teacher immediately apologized and asked that the video not be uploaded online. Go replied, “Blurred ka naman. Huwag ka na lang magpakilala ng pangalan mo.”
The teacher was issued a citation for violating the Motorcycle Helmet Act.
Following the incident, the ACT Teachers Party-list called on Artes to remove Go from his post, alleging that he violated the MMDA’s policy against posting operational activities on personal social media accounts.
The agency confirmed that it had received complaints and letters from several groups regarding the incident.
“The viral video of an incident involving our personnel, Gabriel Go was brought to our attention, and we have also received letters from various groups,” the MMDA said.
Go has also been issued a show-cause order directing him to submit a written explanation as part of the investigation into his possible administrative liability.
Artes reiterated that Go remains with the MMDA but will not participate in road clearing operations until the investigation is concluded.
As of posting, Go has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.