MMDA deploys more enforcers vs illegal racers

MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development (MMDA) has increased the number of personnel along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City after one of its traffic enforcers was beaten up for stopping an illegal scooter race last Saturday.

In an interview over ANC on Sunday, MMDA spokesman Tina Velasco noted the need to “strengthen” their deployment after Raul Reoteres suffered head wounds and bruises at the hands of about 30 illegal racers at around 1 a.m.

Reoteres was brought to the San Juan de Dios Hospital for treatment but was discharged hours later.

Emerson Carlos, MMDA’s assistant general manager for operations, said there was no surveillance camera but witnesses have identified the license plates of the attackers’ vehicles.

Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, where a 60-kilometer per hour speed limit is being imposed, is frequented by illegal racers in the wee hours.

Carlos said the MMDA has already appealed to the Pasay officials to ban gas stations along the boulevard from selling liquor. Those who beat up Reoteres smelled of alcohol, he said.

The MMDA will also study the possibility of arming their traffic enforcers deployed along the boulevard.