MMDA enforcer to be promoted

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer Saturnino Fabros, who was caught on video being slapped and berated by a Philip Morris executive, has been recommended for promotion by his superiors.

MMDA Traffic Discipline Office chief Yves Gonzalez said Fabros was recommended for promotion from his present rank of Traffic Constable 1 to Traffic Constable 2.

“Fabros has displayed the right behavior of a traffic enforcer,” citing that even under pressure, Fabros kept his cool and did not strike back at the angry motorist,” said Gonzalez.

The MMDA filed last Wednesday a criminal complaint against Robert Blair Carabuena, Philip Morris recruitment officer, who manhandled Fabros in Quezon City last Saturday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said he has directed the agency’s legal service unit to file direct assault charges against Carabuena on behalf of Fabros.

Tolentino said the criminal complaint was filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City.

“We cannot allow this aggression and shameless attack against our men who are only doing their job as best as they can, regardless of the risks they face in the streets every day,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino said the assault on Fabros is also an attack against the MMDA as he demanded from Carabuena to issue a public apology.

“We at the MMDA condemn to the highest degree the physical assault perpetrated by an abusive and violent motorist on our hapless traffic enforcer who was just enforcing traffic laws,” he said.

“This, I believe, is the last thing the MMDA can afford. It defames the person of Mr. Saturnino Fabros, the undersigned as chief executive of the office, as well as the MMDA’s,” Tolentino added. 

According to Tolentino, Fabros was just doing his job dutifully as a traffic enforcer.

“The actions of Mr. Robert Blair Carabuena showed total disregard for a person of authority and a blatant disrespect for the law,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino said that the MMDA would fully support Fabros in his search for justice in the proper court.

“I urge the MMDA community to continue the good work that we have shown for the past years, and because of your support and cooperation, we have served the public and achieved our mission with sincerity, and integrity,” Tolentino said. “Keep in mind that this incident should not have happened in the first place. Nonetheless, I trust that this unfortunate spectacle shall become an example for all motorists on how to behave and conduct themselves,” Tolentino said in a statement. With Cecille Suerte Felipe