Makati traffic enforcer in viral fistfight video relieved from post

A Makati Parking Authority (MAPA) enforcer has been relieved from his post after he was shown in a viral video attacking a male pedestrian, a report on "Balitanghali" said Wednesday.

A MAPA detachment officer, however, said in the report of GMA News' Tina Panganiban-Perez that it was pedestrian Omar Belonia who instigated the incident.

Belonia allegedly beat a red light at a pedestrian crossing along the corner of Geronimo and Dela Rosa streets, prompting MAPA traffic enforcer Rafael Rufo to call his attention.

"Nung sinaway niya (Rufo), tumigil po sa gitna at inistop niya ang moving traffic para bigyan ng ano considering his safety. Tumigil po sa gitna, sa may center island ang pedestrian without knowing na bumalik. Nung pinapa-go na niya ang moving traffic, sinapak na siya," said MAPA detachment commander Jhones Balog.

The CCTV in the area failed to capture the scene where Belonia allegedly punched Rufo, but a photo shared by Balog to GMA News showed the traffic enforcer suffered bruises in the face and head.

Another CCTV footage showed Rufo and fellow traffic enforcer crossing the pedestrian lane and walking towards the direction of Belonia, who was waiting on the side of the street.

Upon reaching the sidewalk, Belonia allegedly pointed a finger at Rufo and attacked him again. Rufo did not let it slide this time and traded a few punches with Belonia.

Rufo's colleague later on stopped him from mauling Belonia further. A traffic enforcer also went to Belonia to calm him down.

One of the traffic enforcers in the area said Belonia appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

Rufo and Belonia were then brought to a police station where they decided to settle things amicably.

Balog, meanwhile, appealed to the public not to make judgments based on what is presented in the video.

"Sana po huwag tayong maging one-sided. Alamin po muna natin ang side ng aggravating party," he said.

The MAPA official also advised traffic enforcers to keep their cool when confronted by an annoying pedestrian.

"Control your temper na lang," Balog said. 

The video, which was uploaded on Facebook by Top Gear Philippines on Tuesday, has been watched over 686,000 times as of posting time. —Virgil Lopez/KBK, GMA News