Drunk rider hits 2 cops at church checkpoint

MANILA, Philippines — Two policemen were injured when a drunk motorcycle rider hit them as they were manning a checkpoint near the Quiapo Church before dawn yesterday.

Cpls. Benjamin de Guzman, 47, and Ronnel Yambao, 32, both assigned to the Manila Police District (MPD)’s Plaza Miranda precinct, were rushed to the Chinese General Hospital for treatment of bruises.

They were posted on the southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard as certain roads around Quiapo Church were sealed off during the runup to the church’s observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene today.

Ronald Asquivel, 35, was riding the motorcycle that hit the two lawmen, the MPD reported.

Asquivel was found to have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.249 percent. Republic Act 10586, the country’s anti-drunk and drugged driving law, mandates that private motorists should have a BAC of lower than .05 percent.

The MPD said it is preparing to charge Asquivel with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries and violation of RA 10586.