MMDA constable gunned down

MANILA, Philippines – A traffic constable of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was shot in Quezon City before dawn yesterday.

Sydney Role, 38, was manning his post at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Tandang Sora at around 3:20 a.m. when he flagged down two men riding a motorcycle after they drove against the flow of traffic, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office director Crisanto Saruca said.

Case investigator Police Officer 3 Alvin Quisumbing said Role was talking with his brother, Ritchie, at the time of the attack.

One of the men got off the motorcycle and shot Role twice in the head at close range with a pistol. The two still unidentified men sped away, Saruca said.

Members of the Quezon City’s Oplan Discipline who saw the shooting rushed Role to the East Avenue Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.

“This act of senseless violence shall not go unpunished, especially done to a government servant who was just doing his job,” MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said.

Chief Inspector Elmer Monsalve said police officers recovered two fired 9mm cartridges at the crime scene. He said the attack may be work-related.