Rider on overloaded motorcycle leads MMDA in high-speed chase

A high-speed chase ensued between a motorcyclist and Metro Manila Development Authority traffic enforcers in Manila after the rider refused to be pulled over for having too many passengers on his motorcycle.

In Jun Veneracion's "24 Oras" report Tuesday, the rider was seen roaring down Mel Lopez Boulevard with a woman and two children as passengers. 

The minors were not wearing helmets.

The MMDA tried to pull the motorcyclist over, but instead of stopping, he sped up and attempted to escape.

The chase ended in a foot pursuit, with the driver abandoning the motorcycle and his passengers.
 
Authorities finally cornered and apprehended the rider in an alleyway.

"Wala po akong lisensya. Natakot po ako wala po akong lisensya... Pasensya na po," said the rider.

(I don't have a license. I'm sorry I got scared.)

The MMDA said the driver will face charges for driving without a license and for overloading passengers.

"Initial violation is just P3,000. Ang buhay hindi pwedeng palitan 'yan," said Gabriel Go of the MMDA Special Operations Strike Force.

(The fine for the initial violation is just P3,000. But the lives of the passengers are priceless.)

Meanwhile, the MMDA issued tickets to illegally parked tricycles, motorcycles, and pedicabs along Capulong Street in Tondo.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, for his part, said the persistent issue of illegal parking, which causes traffic jams, needed to be addressed.

"Dapat talaga kumilos and barangay dito. Otherwise, we will be calling their attention as a warning. Dapat may shared responsibilty dito," said Abalos.

(The barangay should do something about this. Otherwise, we will be calling their attention as a warning. There should be a shared responsibility.)

Barangay officials said they were looking at ways to curb illegal parking, including deploying roving personnel.

"Alam niyo naman po 'yung mga residente ng Tondo, di po ba? Maraming pasaway sa totoo lang. Maski kami nahihirapan," said Barangay 93 Zone 8 Chairperson Reynaldo Tan.

(Some residents here are difficult to discipline.)  — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News