'Military agent' pokes gun at MMDA enforcer

MANILA, Philippines - A man claiming to be a military intelligence agent was arrested yesterday after he allegedly shouted at and poked a gun at a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforcer in Mandaluyong City.

Roeslan Ekong claimed he was on his way to an appointment with MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino and warned traffic constable Jerry Torres that he would seek his dismissal from the service.

Tolentino, however, denied he has an appointment with Ekong, who is detained at the Mandaluyong City police station.

Chief Inspector Carlito Canlas, chief of the criminal investigation unit of the Mandaluyong City police, said Ekong has no permit to carry his .45 caliber automatic pistol outside his residence.

Canlas said they are still verifying with the Military Intelligence Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines whether a mission order issued to Ekong is authentic.

In his statement, Torres said he was issuing a traffic citation ticket to an erring bus driver at the southbound lane of EDSA when a man driving a Toyota Avanza blew its horn.

After issuing the ticket, Torres said he approached the driver of the vehicle to apologize for the obstruction but Ekong reportedly shouted at him and drew his gun, telling the constable he would shoot him.

Torres asked policemen to arrest Ekong, who vehemently denied Torres’ allegations.