Ambulance in viral road rage incident found to be fake

The ambulance involved in a viral road rage incident in Valenzuela City last December was found to be fake, an investigation by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) revealed.

According to Mark Salazar’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the LTO revoked the driver’s license of the ambulance driver, citing his violent behavior as seen in the viral video.

A verification conducted by the LTO showed that the driver was not driving a legitimate ambulance.

“The Ford Ranger used in the incident is unregistered and has an ambulance sticker attached. It is being used by a funeral parlor," said LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Renant Melitante.

"It also appeared during the interview that it is being used for private purposes. Therefore, this is subject to impounding under the guidance of our assistant secretary,” he added.

The driver refused to comment on the matter.

LTO officials said they are also investigating other reports on the use of fake ambulances.

"Sa totoo lang marami po akong nakikitang ganyan meron pong mga indibidwal na nagpapanggap na ambulansya at nilalagyan nila ng blinker tapos bumabyahe, minsan ginagamit sa mga negosyo nila,” said LTO chief Markus Lacanilao. 

(To be honest, I see a lot of cases like that. There are individuals who pretend to be ambulances by installing blinkers and then driving around, sometimes using them for their own businesses.)

Meanwhile, another road rage incident was reported in Cavite.

A video showed an argument between an SUV driver and a bus driver, with tensions escalating when the SUV driver attempted to destroy the bus’ windshield wiper.

A subpoena was issued to the SUV driver, requiring him to explain before the LTO by January 14. The bus driver was also summoned.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA Integrated News