In a recent road accident near the boundary of Cebu and Mandaue, an alarming anomaly in police handling has come to light, sparking concerns over procedural integrity and potential corruption within law enforcement. The incident, which occurred past 3:00 PM, involved a collision that required immediate attention, yet the response from authorities was marred by significant delays and questionable practices.
Delays and Sketchy Procedures
According to eyewitness accounts, it took over 45 minutes for a traffic officer to arrive at the scene to collect a sketch of the accident. Once obtained, the sketch was directed to the Cebu Traffic Office near SRP for investigation, prompting the involved drivers to proceed there directly. However, the traffic sketch itself did not arrive at the office until more than two hours later, causing further frustration among the parties involved.
When the drivers complained about the prolonged wait and inefficiency, a police officer reportedly dismissed their concerns, stating that those seated nearby had been waiting earlier and advised patience until the sketch creator arrived. It was not until past 7:00 PM that the sketch finally arrived, and the investigation began, resulting in nearly six hours of unnecessary delay.
Premature Conclusions and Lack of Due Process
The investigation was led by Patrolman Pacaña, who, after reviewing dashcam footage from one of the vehicles, immediately concluded that the driver was at fault and should pay for damages. When questioned about the basis for this judgment, Pacaña asserted that his investigation clearly indicated guilt, without considering other evidence or hearing statements from all parties involved.
This approach was criticized as overstepping police authority, with observers noting that it resembled a judicial ruling rather than a proper investigative procedure. Unlike a judge who listens to all sides and evaluates evidence before making a decision, Pacaña hastily issued a verdict, prompting concerns about fairness and legality.
Corrective Actions and Ongoing Concerns
After intervention, the police report was revised to include details such as vehicle damages and an account based on dashcam footage showing signaling before lane changes. It was emphasized that conclusions about fault should be left to the courts, with police roles limited to evidence collection. This adjustment highlighted the need for adherence to proper protocols, but the incident has raised broader issues.
Widespread Modus Operandi Allegations
Further investigations reveal that this may not be an isolated case. A taxi driver reported on Monday morning that such practices are a common modus operandi among police, where investigators quickly assign blame and pressure drivers to pay damages to avoid prolonged disruptions to their livelihoods.
The driver explained that many colleagues face similar situations, often opting to pay even when fault is disputed, due to the hassle and economic strain. This pattern suggests systemic problems, with calls for thorough investigations to prevent corruption and ensure justice, as these actions undermine public trust and legal processes.
