The Valenzuela City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) has ordered the dismissal from service of two police officers involved in a road rage in Barangay Mabolo last year.

The two police staff sergeants were found guilty of conduct unbecoming of a police officer for the July 14, 2024 incident,  wherein they assaulted and threatened a traffic enforcer around 4:00 a.m. along MH Del Pilar Street.

According to the victim, traffic enforcer Ronaldo David, he was on his way to work on his motorcycle when he noticed two men—later identified as police officers—riding a motorcycle without helmets and wearing slippers. 

David said he was about to talk to them when the two suddenly approached, confronted him, and pulled a gun.

One suspect allegedly punched David, while another threatened to kill him.

“Ang pagmumura at pagtutok ng baril sa tagiliran ng ating kawawang traffic enforcer ay patunay lamang na may ginawa siyang hindi tama. That's the reason why ang People's Law Enforcement Board unanimously. Again, I will repeat, unanimously ang People's Law Enforcement Board ng District 1 ay binigyan namin ng hatol [ang mga pulis na ito] ng penalty of dismissal from service,” said Councilor Ricar Enriquez, chairman of PLEB-Valenzuela.

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian condemned the police officers’ actions, pointing out that the two were not even assigned in the city and were allegedly drunk at the time.

“Walang siga-siga na pulis dito sa Valenzuela,” Gatchalian said.

“The uniform and the firearm come with responsibility, integrity, and moral accountability,” he adds.

David admitted he still fears for his safety due to threats he allegedly received from the dismissed officers.

“Masarap po ang pakiramdam sa naging desisyon… pero nagbabanta pa rin po kasi sila na magkikita kami sa daan,” he said.

Gatchalian assured David of full protection.

“Sir David, huwag kang mag-alala. Protektado ka at hindi ka namin pababayaan even after this day,” he said.

“Ang ginawa mo ay dapat naming ipagpasalamat. Kung hindi mo nilaban, baka hindi natin naabot ang tagumpay na ito,” Gatchalian adds.

David also revealed that the officers tried to offer him P30,000 in exchange for a settlement, but he refused.

“Hindi ko po tinanggap kasi gusto ko pong ipaglaban ang kaso,” he added.

Councilor Enriquez confirmed there were attempts at a settlement during the PLEB hearings.

“Ang nakakatuwa kay Sir Ronaldo David, kahit meron pong ino-offer sa kanya, ang gusto niya ay ilaban ang kaso para matuto ang mga ito,” Enriquez said.

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) said the officers may file an appeal, but it vowed to act swiftly.

“The NAPOLCOM takes note of this decision. If they file a motion for reconsideration or appeal, we will dispose it right away,” said Atty. Rafael Calinisan, Vice Chair and Executive Officer of NAPOLCOM.

NAPOLCOM also announced it will honor Police Corporal James Dela Peña, who intervened in the incident and testified against his fellow officers.

The decision has been forwarded to the Manila Police District (MPD), where the dismissed officers are now under the custody of the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (RPHAS).

Apart from the administrative penalties, both policemen were also convicted by the Metropolitan Trial Court for grave threats and physical injury.

The 2 suspects were sentenced to 20 days imprisonment and ordered to pay P5,000 in moral damages and four months in jail and were ordered to pay P10,000 in damages.