Police ready robbery, assault raps vs. Maserati driver

MANILA, Philippines - Police are now preparing to file criminal charges against the sports car driver who assaulted a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority traffic enforcer in Quezon City last Thursday.

Senior Inspector Maricar Taqueban of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) public information said investigators are now readying the documents for the filing of robbery, direct assault, serious physical injury, and assault upon person in authority charges against Joseph Russell Ingco, the suspected driver of the blue Maserati Ghibli.

Ingco had said in a statement that he will face the charges amid reports that he has gone into hiding.

The businessman allegedly made an illegal left turn at the intersection of Araneta and Quezon avenues, prompting Adriatico and other traffic enforcers to take photos and video of the car. Ingco made a U-turn and went back to confront the traffic enforcers.

He called Adriatico over and when the enforcer was beside the car, the suspect allegedly yanked the enforcer’s shirt and punched him repeatedly while the car was still moving.

Police said that as Adriatico was being punched, he was also dragged for about 10 meters before the driver let go and sped off.

Adriatico sustained bruises on his body and a broken after the incident.

Taqueban said Ingco's lawyer went to the QCPD headquarters in Camp Karingal and talked with district director, Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao.

"Pumunta na dito yung lawyer n'ya (Ingco) tapos nakipagusap kay DD (district director) at binigay n'ya siguro yung side ng kliyente n'ya," she said.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said Ingco's companion during the incident will also face charges.