Driver faces murder rap for enforcer’s death

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will upgrade today the charge filed against a motorist who dragged a traffic enforcer along EDSA in Quezon City, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said yesterday.

The homicide charge against Mark Ian Libunao will be upgraded to murder, he said. Libunao, who denied the allegations against him, was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries and driving with an expired driver’s license. The city prosecutor set bail at P8,000.

Tolentino said murder, however, is a non-bailable offense.

Constable Sonny Acosta’s remains were cremated at the Floresco Heritage Memorial Chapel in Malabon City yesterday after his family and friends paid their last respects.

Acosta died four days after he was dragged and run over by a vehicle whose driver he had flagged down for a traffic violation on Dec. 19.

Tolentino earlier said Libunao may be a fall guy since witnesses claimed to have seen an older man driving the vehicle.

Reports said Acosta’s arm was trapped when the motorist closed the window. The enforcer ended up being dragged and run over as the driver sped away.

Acosta’s death stems from a lack of respect for traffic rules and the ones who enforce them, Tolentino said.