Slain traffic enforcer honored

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City Council has conferred a posthumous award on the slain 37-year-old traffic enforcer Raquel Bensi.

The council passed a resolution yesterday conferring a posthumous award for Bensi’s bravery and exemplary public service.

Bensi, a member of the City Traffic Management System, was killed by an unknown gunman while he was managing the traffic along Tamiya, Barangay Basak past 7 p.m. last January 27. He died after he was shot in the back and the side of his torso.

“Whereas, despite the hazards and dangers to his line of work, Traffic Enforcer Bensi strongly convinced his fellow workers in the government by setting as example of giving the ultimate measure of devotion to his country when he lost his wife on the account of public service,” reads the resolution penned by Councilors Harry Radaza and Flaviano Hiyas, Jr.

Radaza, who serves as acting vice mayor, said the members of the City Council have recognized Bensi’s hard work and dedication to public service. He had served as traffic enforcer for 15 years.

The police, on the other hand, are still investigating the case.

Authorities said Bensi had an argument with two men a day before he was murmured.

On January 26 morning, Bensi reportedly had an argument with a tricycle driver after he caught the latter violating a traffic rule. The driver’s vehicle was impounded.

Later in the evening, he had an argument with another man at the Cebu Light Industrial Park in Barangay Basak. However, the root of their conflict was unclear to the police.

Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong said the city government will give a P100,000 reward for those who can identify Bensi’s assailant.

The amount has to be endorsed by Ycong, the acting mayor, to the City Council for approval. (FREEMAN)