PNP Chief Stresses Mandatory Duty to Give Way to Emergency Vehicles
Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued a firm reminder to all police personnel on Sunday, January 25, 2026, emphasizing that strictly following and respecting traffic regulations represents a fundamental and non-negotiable duty for every officer.
Police as Models of Good Conduct
In an official statement, Nartatez declared that police officers must serve as exemplary models of good conduct within their communities. He highlighted that the Filipino public rightfully expects law enforcement to lead by example in respecting all laws and established rules.
"Wearing the police badge and uniform comes with a heavy responsibility and obligation to set a good example to do what is right at all times," Nartatez stated. "As enforcers of the law, the people have high expectations that we take the lead in following and respecting the laws and other rules and regulations for peace, order, and safety. We should not fail them."
Incident Prompting the Reminder
The chief's remarks were made in direct response to the recent relief of a police officer from Marikina City. Preliminary investigations revealed that the officer had blocked a responding fire truck, leading to a road altercation. The incident reportedly began when the fire truck driver sounded the vehicle's horn, startling the officer and nearly causing a collision with a tricycle.
Clear Mandate for Emergency Situations
Nartatez underscored that all police personnel are unequivocally expected to yield immediately to ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency response vehicles. He stressed that police authority must always be exercised with the utmost discipline and restraint, particularly during critical emergencies where every passing second is vital.
"Respect for emergency responders is not optional for any police officer. It is a basic duty tied to our oath," Nartatez asserted. "When lives are on the line, the role of the police is to help clear the way and provide support if necessary."
Legal Basis and Organizational Accountability
The top cop reiterated that yielding to emergency vehicles is a mandatory requirement, firmly grounded in Republic Act 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Specifically, Section 49 of this law mandates that all drivers must promptly pull over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop when a police, fire, or ambulance vehicle with active sirens approaches, remaining clear of intersections until the emergency vehicle has safely passed.
"This incident reminds us that firefighters, medics, and other civilian emergency responders are our partners in saving lives," Nartatez commented. "The police must be the first to clear the way, not become an obstacle."
Nartatez further emphasized that the disciplinary action taken against the involved officer extends beyond individual accountability. The move is strategically intended to foster positive behavioral change across the entire PNP organization.
"While we have acted decisively against the individual involved, we are also using this as a learning moment for the whole PNP," he concluded.
