THE LAND Transportation Office (LTO) XI is reviewing the case of a driver caught on video deliberately bumping into a traffic enforcer on Torres Street on Jan. 11.
Atty. Ernesto Raphael Robillo, the newly designated regional director of LTO XI, said during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday that a show-cause order was issued to the driver, who appeared at the LTO office with his lawyer on Tuesday, January 21, to explain his side of the story.
“He claimed he was experiencing health issues and didn’t see the traffic enforcer or the motorcycle. He said he was in a hurry to get to the hospital,” Robillo said.
Robillo added, “I have reviewed his defense, which he submitted in an affidavit. We will evaluate his explanation along with the evidence we have gathered. If we determine that he committed the violations, his license will likely be revoked, and suspension [of his vehicle registration].”
Robillo emphasized the importance of holding the driver accountable.
“This action is necessary to ensure the safety of our roads and to prevent similar incidents from happening again. We need to keep irresponsible drivers who disrespect traffic personnel off the streets.”
The driver appeared in person at the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) on the morning of Jan. 14 to provide his side of the story.
On the same day, the driver also surrendered to acting city director Col. Hansel Marantan.
Alias Manuel, a resident of Lanang, will face charges of reckless driving, attempted homicide, direct assault, and disobedience to a person in authority.
The driver also attended a case conference with CTTMO chief Dionisio Abude and representatives from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU), Sta. Ana Police Station, and the City Information Office.
The investigation revealed that the traffic enforcer initially flagged down the driver for counterflowing and taking a shortcut at a gasoline station along Torres Street. The driver ignored the officer and sped off.
As a result, the enforcer pursued him on his motorcycle. When the enforcer attempted to stop the driver a second time, the driver allegedly tried to run him over.
In a video message shared by 93.9 IFM Davao, the driver said, “Mangayo ko ug inyong pasensya ug pagsabot sa nahitabo nga insidente sa Gaisano Mall katong miaging Sabado, between me and the enforcer of the CTTMO.”
He added, “Akong ipaklaro lang nga wala ko’y intensyon nga manakit. Gani, nakita nako sa viral na video, mao naingon ato, niabot lang sa akong huna-huna atong panahon tungod kay naa ko’y medical emergency ug naa ko’y hypertension.”
Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron
