Man faces charges for mauling traffic enforcer

CEBU, Philippines – A criminal complaint for direct assault upon an agent of a person in authority was filed against a man who mauled a traffic enforcer in Minglanilla after he was flagged down because of traffic violation.

Minglanilla Police chief Romeo Santander filed the complaint before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutors’ Office against Noel Gabuya and his unidentified companion for assaulting traffic enforcer Romeo Povadora.

Povadora was manning the traffic at the national highway in Poblacion, Minglanilla on April 6 in the afternoon when he noticed Gabuya driving a motorcycle without a registered plate.

Povadora said he flagged down Gabuya and requested him to present his driver’s license. However, Gabuya and the unidentified person riding in pillion allegedly tried to speed off prompting him to hold the rear portion of the motorcycle causing the vehicle to crash onto the pavement.

In his affidavit, Povadora claimed that Gabuya still was able to get away but later returned without him noticing it. Povadora said that without a word Gabuya and his companion assaulted him.

Gabuya’s unidentified companion allegedly held the collar of his uniform while the former pulled several blows to his face and other parts of his body.

After the incident, the suspects fled towards barangay Poblacion Ward 3 while he reported the assault to the police station. Povadora said he sustained injuries because of the assault causing him and his family to spend P1,000 for his medication. — Fred P. Languido/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)