Jeepney driver mauls traffic enforcer

A jeepney driver was arrested for mauling a traffic enforcer who accosted him for beating the red light in Navotas yesterday.

Now jailed and facing charges of direct assault on a person in authority and serious physical injuries is Alfredo Torrevillas, 27, a Malabon City resident.

Victim Resty Ibanez, a local traffic aide, was taken to the Pagamutang Lunsod ng Malabon for injuries in the body and face, said Navotas police chief Superintendent Roberto Villanueva.

Reports said the victim was manning the traffic along C-4 Road in Navotas around 9 a.m. when he flagged down Torrevillas, who was driving a passenger jeepney (TVP 643), for allegedly beating the red light. Instead of slowing down, the suspect ignored the traffic aide and sped-off.

Ibanez gave chase and boarded the suspect’s jeepney in an effort to stop him. Seeing this, the suspect who was much bigger and taller than the victim, stopped his vehicle and challenged the victim to a fistfight.

Sensing that he was no match pound for pound, Ibanez walked away from Torrevillas. As the victim turned his back, the suspect, without a word, grabbed him, punched and kicked him in the body and face.

The suspect, upon seeing the traffic aide fall to the ground, boarded his jeepney and sped-off towards Monumento.

Responding policemen caught up with the suspect who was arrested along Sangandaan in Caloocan City. He tried to resist arrest but was overpowered by the cops.