SUV driver nabbed for punching traffic enforcer in Iloilo City

An SUV driver was arrested after allegedly punching a traffic enforcer during a confrontation over an illegal parking violation in Iloilo City.

Dashcam footage captured the fistfight between the driver and the 61-year-old traffic enforcer on Quezon Street in Barangay Ed Ganzon, Iloilo City Proper, shortly after 10 a.m. on August 5, 2026.

The fight ended when bystanders stepped in to separate the two.

The traffic enforcer, identified only as Chris, said the driver had double-parked his vehicle and ignored repeated instructions to move. He said the driver also cursed at him before attacking him when he asked for the driver's license.

“Nagmumura na siya. Sabi niya, ‘Sisitahin mo ako ngayong hindi mo pa nga sinita ang iba diyan.’ Nagulat ako pero nakahanda naman ako,” he said.

(He was already cursing. He said, ‘You’re going to call me out when you haven’t even called out the others there.’ I was surprised, but I was prepared.)

Police arrested the driver shortly after the incident. He now faces complaints for direct assault and disobedience to a person in authority.

The driver declined to give an interview to GMA Regional TV Ratsada Balita. However, according to police, he claimed he was being singled out because other illegally parked vehicles were not being apprehended.

Officer-in-Charge Police Captain Melchor Tolentino of Iloilo City Police Station 1 said the driver's claim did not justify his actions.

“Ang sabi niya, bakit raw may iba namang nagpa-parking, hindi naman sinisita. Sana tiningnan niya muna na isa lang ang ating traffic enforcer. Lahat naman sila, pinagsasabihan,” Tolentino said.

(He said, why is it that other people are parking there without being called out? He should have first considered that we only have one traffic enforcer. Everyone is being reminded about it.)

The Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office said it is prepared to file complaints against abusive motorists while also reminding its personnel to remain professional.

Office head Uldarico Garbanzos said traffic enforcers are expected to exercise restraint despite difficult situations.

“Maximum tolerance and get away sa ganyang trouble. Zero tolerance rin kami sa aming mga personnel na hindi mabuti ang actuation,” Garbanzos said.

(We have maximum tolerance and will not let such trouble get out of hand. We also have zero tolerance for personnel who engage in improper conduct.) — GMA Regional TV