Traffic constables will now be armed with wooden batons to enable them to defend themselves from violent and stubborn motorists, an official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday.
Jojo Garcia, MMDA general manager, said they received an initial 200 batons that will be distributed to traffic enforcers. The wooden batons were donated by businessman Jaime Dichaves.
Garcia said the growing number of traffic enforcers that were hurt for doing their duty is alarming.
But while armed with batons, he stressed that they will still exercise “maximum tolerance.”
The MMDA official noted that some of their men were sometimes hit or attacked by motorists that they apprehended.
He cited an incident wherein an MMDA enforcer was struck by a woman after she and her companion were flagged down for not wearing her helmet in Quezon City.
Last year another violent incident saw traffic constable Richard Morales getting mauled by a bus driver and conductor after they were issued a ticket for violating the agency’s closed-door policy in Pasay City.
One enforcer identified as Larry Fiala was hospitalized when a motorist he apprehended shot him.
Garcia assured that they will still maintain calmness and discipline when facing arrogant motorists.
