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Napolcom: Police Misconduct “Huge Disgrace,” Probe Widens On Cover-Up

Napolcom: Police Misconduct “Huge Disgrace,” Probe Widens On Cover-Up

Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Ralph Calinisan presents Police Chief Master Sergeant Jenifer Bredico to the media during a press briefing. (Photo courtesy of Napolcom.)

Napolcom: Police Misconduct “Huge Disgrace,” Probe Widens On Cover-Up

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | April 21, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A dramatic incident on the bustling EDSA Busway, captured in a now-viral video, has thrust a police officer into the national spotlight, leading to a public apology, immediate disciplinary action, and a full-scale investigation by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and other authorities. 

The incident, involving a Philippine National Police (PNP) coaster and a passenger bus, has ignited a fierce debate about accountability, abuse of authority, and the integrity of official reports within law enforcement.

The controversy erupted on April 20, 2026, when CCTV footage widely circulated on social media clearly showed a PNP coaster, driven by Police Chief Master Sergeant Jenifer Bredico, making a sudden, multi-lane swerve into the restricted EDSA Busway. This dangerous maneuver directly preceded a collision with a passenger bus.

Even more damning, a separate viral video captured the aftermath, showing Bredico, in uniform, confronting the bus driver and aggressively demanding his license—an act widely perceived as an egregious display of intimidation and an abuse of his position.

Officer Bredico Issues Apology Amid Public Outcry

In the wake of the intense public backlash, Police Chief Master Sergeant Jenifer Bredico issued a heartfelt apology, acknowledging his “mistake” and expressing profound remorse for his actions and the emotional toll on his family.

“I sincerely ask for forgiveness, sir, for the mistake I made, especially to the bus driver. I admit that the swerving of the PNP coaster to the left was wrong,” Bredico stated, expressing regret for the maneuver that led to the collision.

He further lamented the “negative feedback” received by his family and colleagues, highlighting the personal cost of the viral incident despite his claims of “sacrificing” for passengers through the Department of Transportation’s “Libreng Sakay” (Free Ride) initiative.

Bus Driver Refutes “Amicable Settlement” Claims, Questions Fairness

Despite Bredico’s apology, the bus driver involved in the incident, Jessie Soledad, swiftly countered reports of an amicable settlement, raising serious questions about the accuracy of initial official statements.

“I explained to the police, and we made a statement. It almost seemed like I was the one at fault,” Soledad recounted, expressing his dismay. “We did not reach an agreement. What Sir Jenifer wanted was to just settle it. I said I couldn’t decide because the bus is not mine.”

Soledad’s clear refutation has intensified scrutiny on the initial police report, specifically from the Quezon City Police District Traffic Sector 3, which had claimed a mutual agreement and amicable settlement between both parties.

Napolcom Denounces Incident as a “Huge Disgrace,” Launches Probe

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has unequivocally condemned the incident, with Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan labeling it a “huge disgrace” to the entire police force.

“This sergeant’s actions are a great shame. To be honest… I’m extremely disappointed because no one wants an accident to happen,” Calinisan stated emphatically. “Why couldn’t we just humble ourselves and say sorry because we were at fault? No. This sergeant was arrogant and unyielding.”

Calinisan was particularly incensed by Bredico’s alleged intimidation tactics. “You will glare at the bus driver, you will take his license because you are in uniform and you are a police officer. That is not a license for us to abuse. We will scare the bus driver, and the free ride is certainly not a reason to charge the bus driver for the damage that happened to the PNP coaster.”

The Napolcom has confirmed that the involved police officer, previously assigned to the Logistics Support Service of Camp Crame, has been immediately removed from his post. A *motu proprio* investigation has been initiated, which could lead to administrative charges or a case for “unbecoming of a police officer,” potentially impacting his career significantly.

Investigative Spotlight on “Bogus” Settlement Report and EDSA Busway Rules

The investigation has also broadened to include the Quezon City Police District Traffic Sector 3 (QCPD Traffic Sector 3) following its submission of a progress report asserting an amicable settlement. Calinisan has ordered their inclusion in the probe, questioning the veracity of the report.

“Is this correct? Is this a factual statement? Both parties mutually agreed and reached an amicable settlement. When we were in the private room in my own office, I did not see an amicable settlement. Where is the amicable settlement? None. So why are we making reports that are not true?” Calinisan demanded. The QCPD Traffic Sector 3 has yet to release a statement regarding these serious allegations.

Furthermore, Calinisan underscored that participation in the “Libreng Sakay” initiative does not grant any vehicle, including a police coaster, special permission to enter the highly restricted EDSA Busway. He reiterated that only authorized passenger buses and legitimate emergency vehicles are permitted access.

In a related development, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has also issued a show-cause order against Police Chief Master Sergeant Bredico, further solidifying the multi-agency response to the incident.

This unfolding saga serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media in exposing misconduct and demanding accountability from public servants, while also highlighting critical issues within law enforcement regarding transparency, integrity, and adherence to established protocols. The outcome of the ongoing investigations is eagerly awaited as the nation watches to see justice served and trust in institutions restored.

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