5 MMDA enforcers charged for hit-and-run

MANILA, Philippines -    Five traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority were arrested for allegedly hitting a motorcyclist with an MMDA van in Mandaluyong City Monday.

Police identified the enforcers as Orlando Quirapo, 37; Manuel Patriarca, 39; Jaime Vergara, 50; Jaime Eguia, 47; and Ramuel Alegre, 42.

Senior Police Officer 3 Danilo Quintana, one of the four policemen who responded to the scene, said the suspects were in an MMDA Kia van (SGS-155) and were cruising along Correctional Road heading towards Nueve de Pebrero in Mandaluyong when the vehicle sideswept Telesporo Magundayao, 31, who works as a deliveryman for Bermuda Hotel in Manila.

Police said instead of stopping and bringing the victim to a hospital, the enforcers tried to speed off, but concerned passersby and bystanders blocked their path.

Quintana, along with Police Officers 3 Elmer Crispin, Jorge Villas, and Jessie Asuncion responded to the scene. They said the enforcers reeked of liquor and tried to resist arrest.

The MMDA enforcers were charged with reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury, resisting arrest and disobedience against persons of authority before the Mandaluyong prosecutor’s office.

They are currently detained at the Mandaluyong police station.