MANILA, Philippines - The sports car driver who was caught assaulting a traffic enforcer on Thursday said that his family is already suffering from statements being made against him.
Joseph Russell Ingco, who was caught on video assaulting traffic enforcer Jurve Adriatico, also assured the public that he will be "submitting himself to the proper legal process."
In a statement, posted by GMA-7's Rowena Salvacion on her Twitter account, said that the incident with the traffic enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) "truly sad."
"I hope that people will let due process take its course," he said.
The 39-year-old businessman said that his "wife and children" are already "severely suffering" from "cruel statements" being made against him because of the incident.
"I am praying for the patience and understanding of everybody," he said.
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The incident happened at the corner of Quezon and Araneta avenues where Adriatico and his fellow enforcers were manning traffic.
Ingco allegedly made an illegal left turn at the intersection, prompting the traffic enforcers to take photos and video of the car. Ingco made a U-turn and went back to confront the traffic enforcers.
He called Adriatico over and when the enforcer was beside the car, the suspect allegedly yanked the enforcer’s shirt and punched him repeatedly while the car was still moving.
Police investigators said that as Adriatico was being punched, he was also dragged for about 10 meters before the driver let go and sped off.
MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino has offered a P100,000 reward for information on the whereabouts of Ingco.
Tolentino earlier said they were informed that Ingco is hiding somewhere in Bulacan province.