The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has called out the alleged downgrading of charges against a Quezon City police officer involved in a viral road rage incident along C5 Road in Pasig City, saying those responsible may face administrative and criminal proceedings.
NAPOLCOM Commissioner Ralph Calinisan said Police Staff Sergeant Erwin Lagua, assigned to the Quezon City Police District’s (QCPD) District Mobile Force Battalion, is under police custody following the incident that circulated widely on social media.
Based on the initial investigation, Lagua allegedly forced civilian motorcyclist Jhone Vincent Cayanes off the road, causing injuries and damage to property. He reportedly fled the scene without giving assistance to the victim.
At a press briefing at the NAPOLCOM Central Office in Quezon City, Calinisan criticized what he described as the “wrongful and deliberate downgrade” of the case filed by the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) against Lagua.
Calinisan said only complaints for malicious mischief and slight physical injury were reportedly filed against the police officer, despite circumstances that, according to him, could warrant a more serious charge of frustrated murder.
“Sobrang galit at labis akong nadidismaya sa tila maling at sinasadyang pagpapababa ng kasong isinampa laban sa sariling tauhan,” Calinisan said.
He said the filing of proper charges must be based on evidence and the circumstances of the case, not on any attempt to reduce accountability.
“Dapat tama, patas, at naaayon sa batas ang kasong isinasampa, hindi iyong tila may pagtatangkang pagaanin ang pananagutan,” he added.
Calinisan stressed that police officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, conduct and accountability. He said acts of misconduct do not only damage the image of the police organization but also erode public trust in law enforcement.
He also warned against any attempt to cover up wrongdoing or weaken the pursuit of justice within the police ranks.
“Walang puwang sa serbisyo ang pagtatakip, paglilihis, o anumang pagtatangkang protektahan ang maling gawa ng kapwa pulis,” Calinisan said.
The NAPOLCOM official also directed the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service to initiate appropriate action and facilitate the relief of Police Corporal Benito Catungal, the investigating officer, and Police Lt. Col. Edison Ouano, chief of the QCPD CIDU, over their handling of the case.
Calinisan said accountability should not only apply to the officer involved in the incident but also to those who may have contributed to the alleged weakening of the case.
The Commission said it remains committed to protecting integrity, accountability and public trust in the police service, stressing that abuse, misconduct and any effort to undermine justice have no place in law enforcement.