MMDA eyes attempted homicide raps vs driver in viral Taguig incident

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is mulling to file attempted homicide charges against a driver allegedly involved in a viral traffic incident in Taguig City, acting chairperson Romando Artes said Thursday. 

A dashcam footage circulating online showed a uniformed traffic enforcer clinging on the hood of a speeding vehicle along Lawton Avenue. Nico Waje reported on “24 Oras” that the driver allegedly tried to flee the scene of a traffic accident in Taguig City. 

According to Artes, the driver visited the MMDA office earlier in the day to explain his side on the incident and to apologize to the traffic enforcer. 

“In the coming days, we’re preparing criminal complaints…Baka mag-file kami ng attempted homicide dito sa driver ng nasabing sasakyan,” the MMDA chief said. 

(In the coming days, we're preparing criminal complaints...We might file a case of attempted homicide against the driver of the aforementioned vehicle.)

“Ipu-pursue namin ang kaso kahit siya ay pumunta rito at humingi ng tawad. Nagsabi rin siya na mag-iissue ng public apology,” he said. 

(We will pursue the case even if he went here and apologized. He also said that he will issue a public apology.)

The MMDA already filed complaints with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which will issue a show cause order (SCO) against the motorist. 

Meanwhile, the involved motorycle rider recounted the incident, saying he chased the driver who attempting to flee after sideswiping him. 

The MMDA personnel said he noticed the traffic incident along East Service Road. He asked the motorists to stop to settle the issue but instead of following him, the SUV driver tried to escape by hitting him. This prompted the traffic enforcer to jump on top of the car and cling to the hood of the vehicle. 

“Habang ina-assist ko sila, nagulat ako sa ginawa niyang reaction. Ginawa niya binangga-bangga niya ako…ang na-instinct ko n'un, sasagaan niya ako. Kaya ang ginawa ko imbis na masagasaan, napahawak ako sa hood,” the enforcer said.

("While I was assisting them, I was surprised by his reaction. The vehicle kept on moving towards me. My instinct at that moment was that he was going to hit me so I held onto the hood.)

“Habang pinapatakbo niya, zini-zigzag niya ang sasakyan. Parang gusto niya malaglag. Kumapit na lang ako para hindi malaglag,” he added.

(He was driving on a zigzag motion as if trying to drop me. I just held on tight so I wouldn't fall off.)

The driver continued until Villamor Airbase but slowed down around the area of SLEX southbound exit. The MMDA personnel stepped down at this point.

“’Yung ginawa niya sa akin po, hindi pwedeng patawarin eh…Gusto ko po siyang makulong,” the enforcer said. 

(What he did to me was unforgivable. I want him to be jailed.)

Meanwhile, Artes called on motorists to respect enforcers.

“Kami po ay nanawagan sa mga motorista, igalang po natin ang mga enforcers,” he said.

(We are calling on motorists to respect the enforcers.)

“Sa amin po kahit anong paliwanag at tingin, hindi katanggap-tanggap dahil ito ay may elemento ng assault of persons of authority at may intent to cause harm sa aming enforcers. Despite ng pagpunta niya rito at paghingi niya ng tawad, we’ll make sure na ang mga kaso will be filed at harapin na lang niya sa husgado ang mga kaso na ipa-file — both administrative and criminal charges,” the MMDA chief added. 

(No matter the explanation or justification, it's unacceptable because it involves elements of assault on persons of authority and intent to cause harm to our enforcers. Despite his visit here and his apology, we'll make sure that the cases will be filed and he will have to face them in court - both administrative and criminal charges.) —Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News