QC traffic enforcer refuses to accept apology from bus driver, conductor

The Quezon City traffic enforcer who was seen on video being kicked by a bus conductor while responding to a traffic altercation has refused to accept the apology of the latter, "Unang Balita" reported Thursday.

A video that has gone viral shows that Samel Ruiz Thawadi, bus conductor of Baclaran Metrolink (AAC 9702), kick Larry Chinel, 61, a traffic enforcer of the Quezon City's Department of Public Order and Safety.

Chinel was responding to a complaint by motorcycle rider Jhuwan Roe Casidsid when the kicking incident happened.

"Gusto ko sanang humingi ng pasensya," Baclaran Metrolink bus driver Jefferson Dela Cruz said at a hearing at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) office on Wednesday, GMA News' Ian Cruz reported.

But Chinel refused to accept the apology, saying, "Nakauniporme ako, karangalan po namin 'yan sa departamento kaya ang akin lang, hindi na, tuloy na ang kaso."

Earlier he said that the incident is causing him embarrassment on social media and has affected his family. 

At Wednesday's hearing at the LTFRB,  Dela Cruz and Thawadi were asked to explain the "kicking" incident.

Dela Cruz said that the argument between them started when rider Casidsid overtook the bus while he was unloading passengers in the designated area.

He claimed that Casidsid suddenly blocked the bus with his motorbike, sparking a heated argument.

But, Casidsid insisted that the bus suddenly stopped to unload passengers, and that he almost lost his balance when the bus's door sideswiped his side-mirror.

Casisid recorded on video what transpired between the bus empployees and Chinel.

"Nung nakita ko na yung nagmomotor po ay kinukuhanan kami ng video, 'yun na po 'yung time na tumakbo ako para pigilan siya," Dela Cruz said.

"Ayoko sana ma-video dahil syempre nasa kumpanya kami," he added.

LTFRB has ordered a 30-day suspension for the bus company involved, pending the result of the investigation.

Meanwhile, Lope Naldo, COO of Baclaran Metrolink, said, "Baka mas mabigat pa ang ipataw sa kanila."  He was referring to the bus driver and conductor.

"Depende 'yun, kasi meron dismissal, may ganyan," he added.

Another hearing on the case is set for March 29 at the LTFRB. —Marlly Rome Bondoc/LBG, GMA News