BAGUIO City traffic cop Julius Walang is back on the streets after his video went viral on social media earning the praise of country’s top officials.
Traffic chief Oliver Panabang said Walang is back on the job and is still under the traffic management group of the city despite his near death experience December 31 along Abanao St. with an intoxicated cab driver.
Walang got a commendation from Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año for risking his life on duty, who made public his praises and sought probe on a judge allegedly facilitating the release of the taxi driver at fault.
Walang was videotaped by concerned citizens as he was attempting to stop driver, Jone Dominguez Buclay, who committed a traffic violation.
Buclay tried to flee the scene but Walang held on to the taxi cab’s hood to prevent the driver from fleeing and was later found by police to be intoxicated when brought to the police station but was set free when a judge came and asked for his release.
Año has also asked Supreme Court Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta to investigate the judge involved in the release of the driver.
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong has also asked for a probe of the issue and got a reply from Judge Roberto Mabalot who sent a message to the mayor’s social media page.
Mabalot denied claims that he interceded for the release of the offending driver and the taxi unit with his message released by the city information office in full.
“Mayor, happy new year. I would just like to state for the record the fake news on social media, which already reached your ‘Benjie Magalong-Public Servant’, for putting me in bad light. It says that I interfered regarding the apprehension/case of the driver of the taxi of a relative.
“As I was in my chambers in justice hall signing papers/orders from my family’s vacation abroad, a relative called me up to check on the taxicab unit if indeed it was being impounded for an alleged violation of reckless driving. I obliged to the request and went to Station 7. Upon arrival thereat, I saw the driver seated in front of a lady on a computer. I asked him if he is giving a sworn statement; and also asked the policemen the reason... they showed the results of tests conducted by the BGHMC.
“After seeing the results, I in fact scolded the driver for driving with that condition. He admitted to have drank until 1AM of Dec31. I continued to shout at him ‘Why do you have to drive’; he responded that he was called up by the owner to drive the girls to the market to buy rounded-fruits. He was in fear ... and asked me if he will be detained. Knowing that the penalty for recklessness is only a FINE, I told him he cannot be detained.
“Concerned about the request of the relative about the unit itself, I asked the driver where the car key is... and he said it is with him. Thereupon, I asked the policemen surrounding the driver, one of them said ‘yes sir we have blottered already’. Thereafter, I saw a citation ticket being handed to the driver, so I asked the police this ‘adda pay.’ They responded ‘awanen sir.’ So we left Station7. I went back to justice hall to finish my works. I declare that I did not at all interfere. The police will confirm this fact. Thank you po.”
Buclay now faces charges of direct assault upon an agent of authority, driving under the influence of liquor, resisting arrest, and committing grave threat and oral defamation.