MMDA enforcer dragged by car dies, Tolentino: Arrested suspect a fall guy

MANILA, Philippines - A Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer, who was seriously injured after being dragged and run over by a car in Cubao, Quezon City last Friday, died yesterday afternoon.

Sonny Acosta died from his injuries at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City at about 2:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the arrested suspect, identified by the Quezon City police as Mark Ian Libunao, is a “fall guy.”

In a phone interview, he said while the car was confirmed as the one that ran over Acosta, “the driver has been changed.”

According to Tolentino, several witnesses pointed to an older man as the alleged driver of the Mitsubishi Adventure (AAB-4197) that dragged Acosta at about 9 p.m.

Libunao, who denied being the driver of the Adventure at the time of the incident, is facing a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injury.

Police earlier said Acosta sustained head injuries after he ended up underneath the car and was run over as the driver sped away.

The Adventure  tagged in the incident was earlier traced to Dante Borguete of San Miguel, Bulacan. Police said Libunao works as a driver of Borguete’s father-in-law.

Police said the motorist driving the Adventure was earlier flagged down for entering the lane designated for provincial buses.

As the enforcer was about to confiscate the motorist’s license, the latter allegedly rolled up the window and then sped off. Because of this, the enforcer, whose arm was still stuck in the window, was dragged along the road.

Tolentino said they would leave the investigation of the incident with the Quezon City police. He added that the agency will extend assistance to Acosta’s family.

Tolentino said what happened to Acosta is part of a “pattern of wanton disregard for traffic laws and persons in authority.”

“We are saddened by the demise of traffic constable Sonny Acosta, who was mercilessly hit and dragged by a motorist while performing his traffic duties along EDSA,” he said.

Tolentino called on witnesses “to appear and support the quest for justice amidst attempts to mislead the path of the case. This should be the last case of this nature. Let us respect each other. Let us respect the law.”– With Rhodina Villanueva