Medical representative nabbed for trying to overtake Aquino convoy

MANILA -- A motorist who had tried to cut in the presidential convoy Thursday landed in jail, not for causing a security threat on President Benigno Aquino III, but for cases of reckless imprudence and driving under the influence of liquor.

Members of the Presidential Security Group turned over custody of Mark Jayson Hanopol to the Manila Police District Station 10 after he was apprehended for trying to overtake Aquino's convoy around 2 p.m. at the foot of Nagtahan Bridge on its way to Malacañang.

Investigations made by the Police Station 10 of the Manila Police District, Hanapol had refused to yield to the presidential convoy and had even tried to get past the vehicle of Aquino, that PSG personnel on motorbikes forced him to slow down on the side of the road.

Upon his arrest, Hanopol, a medical representative driving a vehicle with plate number XMN-769 reeked of alcohol, prompting authorities to conduct an alcohol test, in which he tested positive.

This is the second time in three months that the presidential convoy had encountered similar problems, constituting what the military called "gross disrespect to the commander-in-chief."

In July, Senior Police Officer Ricardo Pascua was accosted by the PSG for refusing to give way to the presidential convoy as it was passing along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. The cop was subsequently relieved from his post and ordered dismissed after it was found that he had been committing various traffic violations in the past. (JCV/Sunnex)