Driver who hit enforcer faces raps

CEBU, Philippines — Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said that the city government is determined to file charges against the driver of a vehicle who hit a traffic enforcer last Monday evening at F. Cabahug Street corner Pope John Paul Avenue.

Closed circuit television footage of the incident was sent by Councilor Rey Gealon, chairman of the Traffic Management Council, to the members of the media yesterday. It showed a traffic enforcer manning the street when suddenly a gray vehicle traversed outside the outer lane and continuously crossed to the middle lane where the enforcer was standing.

In the blotter report provided by the Cebu City Traffic Office, it was said that the traffic enforcer even signaled the vehicle coming his way to no avail before it eventually hit him.

The vehicle was reportedly driven by a woman. Now she is set to face a possible case for reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury.

Garcia said he immediately got a report when it happened. Upon seeing the video, Garcia assessed that the incident was done “with malice”.

“Grabe naman sad. Di naman to aksidente, tinuyo naman to. So, I gave a specific instruction to file a case against the driver of that vehicle,” said Garcia, adding that traffic personnel in the city should not be treated similarly.

“That is a criminal case with intent. Binuang, you can even say that it was an attempted murder so file the necessary case against the suspect,” he said.

Gealon said that an administrative complaint will likewise be lodged with the Land Transportation Office for the revocation of the driver's license.

“The mayor is apprehensive of the driver's continued use of the roads which may further endanger lives and limbs not only of other enforcers, but of motorists and pedestrians as well,” said Gealon.

Garcia added that they will be extending all forms of assistance to the traffic enforcer. — (FREEMAN)