Traffic enforcers engage fruit vendor in new extortion modus

Two traffic enforcers of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) were caught on video extorting riders with a new modus, according to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras.”

In the video taken by a victim, the enforcer could be seen with a rider in Binondo, Manila. Instead of giving him a ticket, the enforcer brought the rider to a fruit vendor.

The enforcer could be seen returning the driver’s license, prompting the driver to give an item to the vendor.  The enforcer later retrieved the item.

A short while later, a second enforcer brought another rider near the fruit vendor. The rider also gave something to the vendor.

Manila City Hall identified the enforcers as Ruben Delgo Jr. and Edgardo Ladoga. The enforcers have been removed from service in accordance with the one-strike policy of the city.

The local government said the video was enough proof to remove the enforcers.

“Maliwanag po ‘yung video, ito po ay biktima niya. Nagkataon na bumalik siya diyan at nakita niya ‘yung mga iyon. So para makarating sa amin, vinideo niya,” MTPB operations chief Wilson Chan Sr. said.

(The video was very clear, it was taken by a former victim. Coincidentally, he returned to the area and saw the enforcers. So he took a video in order to let us know.)

Meanwhile, other enforcers expressed shame over the actions of their former colleagues. However, they asked the public to not generalize traffic enforcers.

“Sa totoo po talagang bumaba po ang aming mga morale. Ang kawawa dito ‘yung mga enforcer na matitino, nadadamay po,” Ferdinand Bituin said.

(Our morale is low. It’s pitiful for the good enforcers, we are being affected.)—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News