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Monday, February 16, 2004
Nalzaro: That arrogant TMG cop
By BOBBY G. NALZARO
WHILE driving to SM City last Saturday afternoon with my wife, I was flagged down by one of those uniformed traffic management personnel conducting operations near While Gold Restaurant.
I was surprised he stopped me since I did not commit any traffic violation. So I lowered the window of my car and asked what my violation was. In a very arrogant manner, the traffic policemen ordered me to position my car on the right side of the road since I stopped on the left side.
After I settled down, I asked him again what my violation was. Again, in a very arrogant manner, he demanded that I hand over my car’s registration papers, with number one as the last digit.
I asked why. And he answered that my sticker is still 03. Well, I must admit that I forgot to paste my 2004 sticker issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), together with my new registration papers.
But my car has been registered since first week of January. It was Honda Cars that processed it. Upon presenting my registration papers, the officer casually walked without even saying a word.
I was able to identify that Tagalog-speaking traffic policeman through his nameplate as PO1 De Jesus. I am not questioning the operation of the traffic management personnel because it is one of their functions. But what I am protesting was the manner he approached me and perhaps the other motorists.
It seems that some of our traffic officers have no manners when they approach motorists and alleged traffic violators. They should have the courtesy of, at least, saying nice words to the public. I am not demanding special treatment but even if I am just an ordinary citizen and had violated some laws, at least, I deserve some respect from law enforcers.
Sino ba ang hepe ng TMG 7 dito? Sir, turuan mo naman ng good manners and right conduct ‘yang mga tauhan n’yo. Baka akala ng mga mayabang na tauhan mo d’yan, ang mga Cebuano puwede lang mali-itin. Mga bastos.
* * *
It seems we no longer feel safe even inside a department store or in a restaurant. Criminals are everywhere and they strike anytime, even in crowded places and in broad daylight. Security personnel and waiters inside YamYam Restaurant at Rustan’s supermarket along Mango Ave. nabbed an alleged snatcher last Thursday afternoon.
The suspect was identified only as a certain David of Sitio Taop, Barangay Ramos. The area, which is situated just in front of Rustan’s, is a known haven of snatchers and muggers. After victimizing innocent bystanders and passengers, those criminals seek refuge there.
The suspect was arrested inside the supermarket after he attempted to snatch the cell phone of Ms. Jessica Go, a regular customer of the restaurant. Store security guards then brought David to the Fuente Police Station and had the incident recorded in the blotter.
But few hours after the incident, Fuente police released the suspect because the complainant refused to press charges against him. The reason: some police personnel at the Fuente police discouraged the victim because she refused to leave her cellular unit with them as evidence.
Susmaryosep! Yes, the evidence is very important in filing charges against the suspect. But the item involved can be immediately returned to the owner for as long as he or she will present it during preliminary investigation at the prosecutor’s office and in the court.
I am asking my good friend Fuente Police Chief Supt Anthony Obenza to please investigate this matter. Basin sir ang atong tawo diha protector niining mga badlungon diha sa imong area of responsibility nga hangtod karon wala pa gihapon masumpo. Ilado ra ba kaayo kadtong snatcher sa imong mga tawo. Palihog lang sir.
(E-mail: Bobby@sunstar.com.ph. Text: 09193181404)
(February 16, 2004 issue)
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