MMDA constables taught arnis, courtesy—Tolentino

 

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino said on Friday that the agency's constables are learning Filipino martial art arnis as part of their self-defense training. 

 

"Pinag-aral na natin sila ng arnis at self-defense bilang bahagi ng training nila," Tolentino said in an interview with GMA News TV's News To Go.

 

But more than being able to defend themselves, Tolentino said traffic constables were always reminded to be courteous. 

 

"Ang kanilang perspective ay 'yung kurtisiya sa motorista. Kapag ikaw nag-apprehend ng motorista, ang kasama doon ay 'good morning po...' Meron silang standard na sinasabi," Tolentino said.

 

He added that no traffic enforcer is expecting to be beaten up by a motorist; hence, they are not usually on the defensive. 

 

"Wala namang nage-expect na gugulpihin ka. Kaya lumapit ay para ipaliwanag kung ano ang violation. Hindi lumapit para maging defensive ka," Tolentino said. 

 

Yesterday, a Maserati-driving motorist Joseph Russel Ingco was caught on video assaulting an MMDA constable Jorbe Adriatico in Quezon City. The motorist was flagged down after he tried to make an illegal left turn. 

Ingco reportedly yanked Astriatico's uniform, punched him in the face, and dragged the constable from Araneta Avenue to Scout Chuatoco.

 

The motorist is now facing charges of serious physical injuries, grave threats, direct assault on a person in authority, and robbery.

Ingco has countered that it was Adriatico who first hit him and held on to him while he tried to speed away. —Trisha Macas/NB, GMA News