MMDA enforcers want a little respect

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded motorists yesterday to “respect” their traffic enforcers.

MMDA’s assistant general for operations Emerson Carlos said the attack on MMDA traffic enforcer Larry Fiala last Wednesday only shows the plight of traffic enforcers manning Metro Manila’s roads.

“The message here is to give respect and pay courtesy to our traffic enforcers. They are just doing their jobs,” Carlos said during the agency’s weekly radio program over dzBB.

Businessman Edward John Gonzales allegedly shot Fiala when the enforcer accosted him for violating the number coding regulation. Fiala underwent surgery Thursday and is recuperating, Carlos said.

Gonzales was charged with direct assault with frustrated homicide and posted P200,000 bail last Friday, he added.

The incident prompted MMDA to review its protocol for enforcers who are apprehending erring motorists. 

Tina Velasco, MMDA’s spokesperson, said they may impose a “buddy system” when chasing traffic violators. 

Enforcers will also be required to immediately ask for the MMDA’s assistance and seek the help of the police.

The agency also revived calls to study the proposal to arm traffic enforcers in order to protect themselves, but clarified that “nothing is final yet.”

Velasco clarified that their is just a proposal while MMDA tries to find ways to protect their enforcers to avoid a repeat of the Fiala incident.