Gabriel Go, head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)’s Special Operations Group-Strike Force (SOG-SF), will remain in his post but is required to undergo a five-day training program focused on leadership and proper conduct, following a viral incident involving a police officer during a clearing operation.
In a statement on Monday, the MMDA said Chairman Don Artes directed Go to attend a “training, mentorship, and coaching” course covering traffic management, leadership, courtesy, discipline, and, notably, stress and anger management.
“Artes’ decision on Go is not a form of punishment, but more for his self-improvement,” the agency said.
The program will be led by Edison Nebrija of the MMDA Traffic Education Division, formerly chief of the MMDA’s Task Force Special Operations.
The decision follows an administrative complaint over Go’s conduct during a sidewalk clearing operation in Quezon City on March 25, where he was caught on video berating Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Captain Mann Erik Felipe. The video quickly circulated online, sparking public criticism.
The MMDA Legal and Legislative Affairs Staff found Go liable for simple discourtesy and issued a formal reprimand with a stern warning that future violations will be dealt with more seriously.
The MMDA reminded all enforcers to exercise maximum tolerance during confrontations with traffic violators and to maintain the highest degree of professionalism in all interactions.
Although Go publicly apologized to Captain Felipe last week, the QCPD officer proceeded to file a criminal complaint for cyber libel under Republic Act 10175 before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
The MMDA said it will assist Go in the legal case filed against him.