MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has barred Special Operations Group – Strike Force chief Gabriel Go from participating in all clearing operations pending the outcome of an administrative investigation into a viral video showing him apprehending a teacher and later posting the footage on social media despite the teacher’s reported objection.
The MMDA confirmed it had issued Go a show cause order requiring him to explain his actions after the incident sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns over possible violations of privacy rights.
The video showed Go apprehending a teacher for allegedly riding a motorcycle without a helmet. The teacher reportedly requested not to be filmed, but the footage was later uploaded to Go’s social media account.
Pending the investigation, the agency said Go has been prevented from taking part in clearing operations.
“Rest assured that we are conducting an investigation as to Mr. Go’s liability,” the MMDA said.
The incident also drew the attention of the National Privacy Commission (NPC), which reminded public officials that recording and posting videos involving individuals without their consent may violate the Data Privacy Act.
NPC spokesperson Atty. John Henry Naga Belarmino said that even if a person’s face had been blurred, uploading the video despite the individual’s objection could still constitute a privacy violation.
The NPC added that unauthorized processing of personal data is punishable under the Data Privacy Act by imprisonment of one to six years and fines ranging from P500,000 to P4 million.
The MMDA said Go will remain barred from clearing operations until the investigation is completed and his administrative liability, if any, is determined./PN
