Binay suspends 10 MAPSA traffic men

Ten traffic enforcers of the Makati Department of Public Safety (MAPSA) were suspended by Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay for alleged extortion from a motorist last week.

The order was prompted by the complaint of Marlene de Pacinas of Pangasinan who claimed that she and her driver were victimized by the 10 traffic enforcers along the South Superhighway.

De Pacinas claimed that the group of traffic enforcers flagged down and accused them of violating the anti-smoke belching law. The traffic enforcers reportedly said they would not be apprehended if they hand over P500 to the group.

Both De Pacinas and her driver went to the Southern Police District office in Taguig to file a complaint after which all the 10 men were apprehended by the Counter Intelligence Special Unit.

Formal charges have already been filed against the 10 traffic enforcers, six of whom have posted bail.

The 10 MAPSA traffic enforcers were identified as Rodrigo Severino, the alleged leader of the group; Ludrigo Sangrones; Roberto Jara; Ryan Austerio; Romeo Cajepe; Aida Catalan; Joselito Cristino, Jose Cruz; Ricardo de Guzman; and Rolando Lambit.

Binay asked the city’s legal department to file the appropriate charges against the 10 suspects.

"Makati has no room for crooks in uniform. These few bad eggs have no room in public service," Binay said.

He also urged the motorists to immediately report any incident involving abusive MAPSA and police personnel to his office.