MMDA nabs bogus traffic enforcer in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Wednesday arrested another individual who posed as a traffic enforcer along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

Marcelino Trias, 51, allegedly flagged down a Land Cruiser traversing the westbound lane of Roxas Boulevard corner Kalaw Street this morning for no apparent violation.

Traffic constables Jason Edroso and Efren Ruzon Jr., members of the MMDA E-wheels patrol assigned at the area, spotted and approached Trias, who immediately ran away after seeing the two.

After a long chase and with the help of personnel from the MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group who were passing by the area, Trias was arrested and was brought to the MMDA office for questioning.

Trias was caught wearing an old MMDA enforcer uniform Type A.  He also had with him fake traffic violation receipts and several drivers’ licenses which will be used as pieces of evidence.

"What he did was illegal.  It is unfair to the honest and dedicated enforcers, because his misrepresentation is tainting the very reputation of the entire agency," MMD chairman Francis Tolentino said.

Since December last year, MMDA had received numerous complaints on an unidentified traffic enforcer allegedly extorting money from motorists along Roxas Boulevard.

Meanwhile, the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office recently issued a resolution recommending the filing of Usurpation of Authority charge against Edwin Vicentino.

Vicentino was arrested last November for misrepresenting himself as an active MMDA traffic enforcer, flagging down Tolentino, along Buendia Avenue and Roxas Boulevard.

"We will continue to go after individuals who maliciously present themselves as employees of MMDA.  I ask the public to help us police our ranks by reporting suspicious acts or arrogant behavior by any of our personnel," Tolentino said. - Dennis Carcamo