MMDA official apologizes for berating cop in viral video

An official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday apologized for berating a cop during a clearing operation in Quezon City, which was captured in a viral video.

In a press conference, Special Operations Group - Strike Force head Gabriel Go apologized to Police Captain Erik Felipe and the entire Philippine National Police (PNP) organization.

“Sir, if you are listening to this, ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa inyo dahil po sa nangyari. It is not my intention na magkaroon ng ganung hindi maayos na pangyayari at pakikitungo po,” Go said.

(Sir, if you are listening to this, I apologize to you for what happened. It is not my intention to create such a bad incident and to show bad treatment.)

“Aside from that, nais ko rin pong humingi ng paumanhin hindi lang po kay Captain Felipe but also to the entire PNP. It is, once again, not my intention to tarnish the good reputation of the institution of the PNP,” he added.

(Aside from that, I also want to apologize not only to Captain Felipe but also to the entire PNP. It is, once again, not my intention to tarnish the good reputation of the institution of the PNP.)

Go also apologized to National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) commissioner Atty. Rafael Calinisan for the incident.

Last week, the MMDA official issued a ticket to Felipe for the motorcycles parked on the sidewalk in front of a police station in Quezon City. Felipe apologized to Go but he reportedly did not like the manner it was given. 

Go uploaded the video which became viral online. 

Calinisan earlier said that Felipe was planning to file complaints against Go for libel and violation of data privacy.

“Vinideohan mo pa 'yung tao nang hindi niya nalalaman. Wala rin namang consent niya. Clear violation of the Data Privacy Act. Extremely libelous 'yung ginawa din niya,” Calinisan has said.

(You even filmed the person without his knowledge. He also didn't have his consent. Clear violation of the Data Privacy Act. What he did was extremely libelous too.)

“So I cannot fault Captain Felipe. It's well within his right to file a case if he's aggrieved and actually I feel for him,” he added.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News