Retired cop held for threats vs traffic enforcers

MANILA, Philippines — A retired policeman was arrested for allegedly poking his handgun at Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers in Quezon City on Monday.

Retired Police Officer 1 Roberzon Estrella, 63, is facing charges of grave threat and violation of the election-related gun ban, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar said.

Policemen arrested Estrella after he reportedly pulled out a .45 caliber pistol and threatened traffic constables Christopher Bangalisan and Wilson Balceta along Commonwealth Avenue at around 6:25 p.m.

Eleazar said Estrella got into an argument with the traffic enforcers, who flagged down the UV Express van he was riding because of several traffic violations.

QCPD Station 6 commander Superintendent Rossel Cejas, in a text message, said they have no information on the specific traffic violations committed by the van’s driver.

Acting MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said motorists should avoid threatening traffic enforcers.

“Huwag daanin sa tapang, magpahuli na lang (Don’t resist arrest),” he told reporters during a press conference in Makati City yesterday.