Driver triesto hit enforcer then flee

CEBU, Philippines - Days after a female traffic enforcer was accidentally hit and killed by a Korean national while manning traffic in Barangay Banilad, a motorcycle driver allegedly tried to hit another enforcer in his bid to escape a traffic violation he committed at corner General Maxilom and Gorordo avenues.

It was fortunate that traffic enforcer Bonifacio Dela Cruz of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management managed to grab the handle bar of the motorcycle driven by 28-year-old Ronald Batiancila, a resident of Barangay Zapatera.

Bantiancila and his companion Felimon Monteros, 25, of Barangay Guadalupe, were arrested by the responding police and CITOM personnel manning Patrol Car 501.

CITOM operations officer Jonathan Tumulak said Batiancila was driving a motorcycle with Monteros at the back seat and were heading to Fuente Osmeña from Barangay Carreta before the incident.

As they reached corner General Maxilom and Gorordo avenues, the red light came on for vehicles going to Fuente Osmeña. But Batiancila decided to run the red light.

“Diriyot g’yud sila mabangga sa sakyanan nga gikan sa General Maxilom nga mo-left turn paingon sa Gorordo Avenue. Nabalda g’yud kadiyot ang traffic mao nga gipahunong sa atong traffic enforcer apan wala mohunong, gipadam-agan pa unta ang atong enforcer,” said Tumulak.

The traffic enforcer grabbed the handle bar of the motorcycle and responding personnel onboard Patrol Car 501 arrived and arrested both Batiancila and Monteros.

While Batiancila and Monteros were being brought to the CITOM office in Natalio Bacalso Avenue on board the patrol car, they tried to escape when it was caught in traffic along F. Ramos Street. The two managed to unlock the back and run away.

CITOM personnel chased them down and successfully recaptured the two along D. Jakosalem Street. Batiancila was subjected to a liquor test and was found positive in violation of the law that prohibit persons under the influence of liquor from driving a vehicle.

Proper charges are set to be filed against Batiancila before the court tomorrow.  (FREEMAN)