Traffic enforcer hangs onto car as driver flees from accident

A traffic enforcer hung onto the hood of a car for about 15 minutes when the driver refused to stop after an alleged road accident in Kawit, Cavite.

According to Dano Tingcungco’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” the driver attempted to flee the scene after allegedly hitting a tricycle at around 4 p.m. on Monday.

Traffic enforcer Michael Trajico said he tried to block the vehicle and issue a ticket but was forced to climb on the hood when the driver refused to stop.

The incident was caught by several CCTV cameras.

He said he chose to climb onto the hood to avoid being run over by the car.

“Doon sa hood niya, may nakapitan ako na matulis na bagay. Sinasabi ko sa nanay patigilin niyo po. ‘Di pa rin pinakikinggan ang nanay niya. Tinatapik ng nanay niya sa loob. Ayaw pa rin pakinggan,” Trajico said.

(I was able to hold on to a sharp object on the hood. I asked the mother inside the car to tell the driver to stop the car. She was telling the driver to stop, but the driver refused to listen.)

“Pagdating sa bahay nila minura pa ako: ‘Mag demanda ka!’. Yung nanay nandoon. Wala naman binibigay na license. Paano natin titiketan ang tao kung walang license? Hinihingi ko sa nanay ang lisensya. Pag labas ayaw daw ibigay ‘yung license,” he added.

(When we arrived at their house, the driver cursed at me and challenged me to file charges. I cannot do that because the driver refused to surrender a driver’s license. I asked the mother to hand the driver’s license, but the driver did not give it to her.)

Trajico and the Kawit Traffic Management Group plan to file charges against the driver, which includes direct assault.  

“Pag di natin tinuruan ng leksyon ang mga ganyan, ‘di lang sa aming mga enforcer, pati sa ibang enforcer, gawin po. Ang akin lang po, respeto sa enforcer,” Trajico said.

(If we don't teach this driver a lesson, this could happen to other traffic enforcers, not just us. For me, it’s about respect toward the enforcer.)

“Pinademanda ko yung driver ng sasakyan. Babanggain niya yung enforcer ko. Kung nahulog ‘yun e ‘di patay,” said Terry Andaya, Kawit Traffic Management Group chief.

(We will file charges against the driver. The driver was about to hit our traffic enforcer. If he fell off, he could have died.)

Trajico said he received a message urging him to settle the issue.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to the driver for comment, but a sibling refused to make a statement, saying their family is waiting for legal advice.

In a text message, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said his department has seen the video on social media.

Dizon urged Trajico to pursue filing charges against the driver. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News