Man nabbed for using cop's business card in traffic row

MANILA, Philippines - An X-ray technician who figured in a traffic altercation with a policeman was charged for ignoring the investigation process and flashing the calling card of a police official he claimed was a relative.

Diony Obingayan, 34, of Culiat, Parañaque City, was charged with reckless driving, grave threat and resistance and disobedience to an agent or person in authority by Police Officer 3 Donald Panaligan, an investigator of the Manila Police District’s General Assignment Section (GAS).

In an affidavit of apprehension, Panaligan said he was driving his Toyota Avanza near the corner of Felix Huertas and Fugoso streets when Obingayan, driving a motorcycle, cut into his path at around 1:30 p.m. Friday.

“My family, including my sick child, was thrown out of their seats as I applied brakes on the car to prevent collision,” Panaligan said.

He said he introduced himself as a police officer and asked to see Obingayan’s driver’s license and other papers. Obingayan reportedly flashed a calling card of Senior Inspector Eleazar Gonzales, who he said is a relative, and called the attention of bystanders who surrounded Panaligan’s vehicle.

A woman who identified herself as Chit San Esteban-Gonzales and a sister of the police official, also arrived at the scene and reportedly prevented Panaligan from getting Obingayan’s driver’s license.

Sensing danger to his family, Panaligan called the GAS office for assistance, and his colleagues arrested Obingayan. He said if not for his colleagues, he and his family “would have been placed in imminent danger by the people around us.”

The woman was charged with obstruction of justice.

GAS commander Chief Inspector Mar Reyes reminded the public that National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Leocadio Santiago warned that flashing the business card of police officials will not help those caught violating traffic laws.