2 traffic enforcers accused of mulcting

CEBU, Philippines - Two Mandaue City traffic enforcers are facing investigation after a foreigner accused them of extortion.

The foreigner uploaded a video on YouTube showing traffic enforcers Arman Gallardo and Ringo Penados apprehending him on January 18 along Ouano Avenue at the North Reclamation Area for traffic violation.

The foreigner who did not identify himself claimed that the enforcers extorted P1,500 from him and his girlfriend. He admitted disregarding a “No U-turn sign” and said he was willing to pay for the corresponding penalty so long as proper citation ticket is issued.

However, the two enforcers allegedly demanded P2,000 without any citation ticket.

The more than four minute video has a caption that read: “Mandaue traffic cops at work on Sinulog Sunday 2015, stopped for making an illegal u-turn, these cops tried to sting us for P2,000 when really a ticket and fine should have been only P200. They didn’t see the camera was running, never gave a ticket with P1,500 taken from my girlfriend-Pit Senor CTMS!”

The video also showed both enforcers disregarding the same traffic sign that the foreigner and his girlfriend have been flagged down for. There were also two tricycles and motorcycle drivers committing traffic violations but were reportedly ignored by the enforcers.

In the video, the enforcers told the foreigner to get inside the car while one of them was talking to his girlfriend. The foreigner later asked his girlfriend what were she and the enforcer talking about. The girl said the enforcer demanded for P2,000 but she asked for citation ticket in return. The enforcer allegedly refused to issue.

Fearing for their safety because street children already started to gather around them, the foreigner said his girlfriend was forced to give P1,500 even without citation ticket. After receiving the money the enforcers returned the driver’s license.

Mandaue City traffic chief Edwin Ermac said he saw the video but did not find evidence of extortion. He, however, admitted that the two enforcers committed irregularity for not issuing citation ticket.

“Nagpasalamat ta niya, but I think he is also destroying the institution rather than helping us because we are more considerate especially to foreigners kay wa sila masuheto sa atong lugar,” Ermac said.

Ermac said the video did not show the foreigner or his girlfriend handing money to the enforcers. The audio was not also clear.

The two enforcers were already relieved while investigation is being conducted. Ermac urged the foreigner to file a formal complaint against the two enforcers.

“We can build a stronger case kon mo-appear ang complainant, but we can still impose disciplinary actions against them but not as heavy kon mogawas siya and file his complaint,” Ermac added. (FREEMAN)