Marine officer detained over traffic violation

CEBU, Philippines – A marine officer detailed at the Naval Forces Central Command is now detained at the Subangdaku Police Station in Mandaue City after he reportedly figured in a traffic violation last Friday afternoon.

Staff sergeant Allan Berenguel, 40, married of Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City, was arrested by the members of the Traffic Enforcement and Management of Mandaue City for driving without license and disobeying traffic sign.

Police Officer 2 Jesson Flores of Centro Police Station said Berenguel was apprehended by traffic enforcers after he continued driving even if the traffic sign showed a "stop signal."

The violation was allegedly committed when he happened to pass by corner A.C. Cortes and Plaridel Streets in Barangay Alang-Alang past 4 p.m. last Friday.

Traffic enforcer Ramil Branzuela then stopped Berenguel and asked for his driver's license but he instead handed his student permit to Branzuela.

The two engaged in a heated altercation as Berenguel allegedly continued driving his motorcycle which almost hit the traffic enforcer..

A fellow traffic enforcer noticed the commotion and blocked the marine officer's way and brought him for detention.

At the police station, it was learned that the said marine officer did not possess any certificate of registration and official receipt of his motorcycle and the document that he was able to produce was only a student permit.

The suspect remains in detention as of press time yesterday while awaiting for the charges that will be filed against him this coming Monday.

His cases will include driving without license, disregarding traffic sign and disobedience against person in authority.