Traffic enforcers told to apply maximum tolerance following altercation

THE Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) has called on traffic personnel in the city to “apply maximum tolerance.”

This was after an altercation ensued between the traffic enforcer and public utility jeepney (PUJ) driver along Ramos Street on Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

Major Junji Liba, head of Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), said he already called the attention of the traffic enforcer, whose name is being withheld, and required to submit his written explanation.

Liba said the traffic enforcer, who is a volunteer enforcer, was temporarily removed from his post and presently reporting at BTAO while the investigation is ongoing.

The direct supervisor of the traffic enforcer was also required to submit his investigation report, he added.

A video making rounds on social media showed that the traffic enforcer shouted at the PUJ driver after the latter allegedly committed a traffic violation.

The wife of the driver, who was recording the video, tried to defend her husband. However, the traffic enforcer went to her side while pointing his finger.

"Indi mo pagtolerahon ang bana mo. Sawayon mo ha [Don't tolerate your husband. Stop him from doing that]," the enforcer shouted at her.

Liba said that based on the statement of the traffic enforcer, the PUJ driver attempted to take a left turn. However, the traffic light is not yet on the “go” sign for him to make the turn.

So, he was called by the traffic enforcer to go straight so that he would not cause traffic in the area around 3 p.m.

Liba said the PUJ driver also took a straight direction but while driving, he uttered some bad words to the traffic enforcers.

“The traffic enforcer approached him to correct his violation. But, a heated argument ensued between them,” he added.

Liba said they cannot impose an administrative sanction against the traffic enforcer because its status is still a volunteer and under evaluation.

He said they also received a communication from the PUJ driver that they are open for a dialogue to clear the incident.

Liba reminded all the traffic enforcers to be more patient while on duty to avoid similar incident.