MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be reviewing its apprehension protocols in the wake of the death of a traffic constable who was dragged by the car of a motorist he was apprehending in Quezon City.
MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino on Wednesday said a review of the protocols is needed especially as traffic constable Sonny Acosta—who was seriously injured after being dragged by the suspect's car in Cubao last Friday—was not reportedly rude during the apprehension.
"We will review our protocols, apprehension procedures. If you look at Acosta's case, he was courteous with the erring driver," said Tolentino. He did not elaborate on what particular areas need to be reviewed.
Acosta died on Tuesday afternoon at the St. Luke's Hospital in Quezon City. He was seriously injured after being dragged by a van.
Tolentino on Tuesday said a certain Mark Ian Libunao Libunao who was later arrested by the Quezon City Police is just "fall guy" in the incident.
"The car is positive (as the one that dragged Acosta). But the driver has been changed," said Tolentino in a phone interview.
According to Tolentino, several witnesses have pointed to an older looking man as the alleged driver of the Mitsubishi Adventure (AAB-4197) that dragged Acosta at about 9 pm.
Libunao has denied being the driver of the van. He is now 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 Mitsubishi 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.
Records show that the owner of Runaway Sportivo is DANTE F. BORGUETE of Guillermo Village, San Miguel, Bulacan. pic.twitter.com/qGJQBqMnrb
— Official MMDA (@MMDA) December 19, 2014 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. 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 all assistance to Acosta's family.
Meanwhile, Tolentino said that 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 performnig his traffic duties along EDSA," he said. "This pattern of wanton disregard for traffic laws and persons in authority should be halted collectively by our society. Respect for each other should be the norm."
"We shall continue to assist Sonny's family seek justice as our traffic officers perform their duties with dignity. We call upon other 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. Igalang po natin ang bawat isa. Igalang po natin ang batas," Tolentino added.