Viral Traffic Enforcer Was No Longer in Service Before Extorting Delivery Rider, MTPB Says
The MTPB clarified that the viral traffic enforcer was already out of service even before he allegedly extorted money from a delivery rider.
A few days ago, a supposed traffic enforcer went viral for extorting a delivery rider. The rider was unfamiliar with Recto Avenue in Manila and was only driving there for the second time. While trying to make a U-turn near a store, he failed to notice a low traffic light because his view was blocked by a truck.
The delivery rider ended up turning when the light had already changed to red, although he said he stopped right away.
The man wearing a traffic enforcer’s uniform then signaled the rider to move forward, which he followed. After that, the enforcer allegedly hinted that the problem could be settled with money.
The rider explained that he only had a small amount of cash and that the vehicle he was using did not belong to him. Despite this, the enforcer reportedly continued to pressure him and even warned that heavier violations, such as reckless driving, could be added.
According to the delivery worker, smaller amounts were refused and a higher payment was demanded, with the enforcer saying the violation was serious and expensive. Feeling cornered and unable to pay, the rider chose to accept a traffic ticket instead.
In a message sent by MTPB to Philippine Trending News, the traffic enforcer identified as Jose Navarro had already been dismissed some time ago before the extortion incident. The bureau explained that this person may have been posing as an enforcer and targeting motorists in areas with confusing road signs or blocked traffic lights.
The agency reminded the public that the individual is no longer part of their organization. They advised motorists to contact the police immediately if they encountered anyone pretending to be a traffic enforcer and demanding money on the road.
In a previous post, a delivery driver speaks out after alleged bribe attempt by traffic enforcer
Here is the statement:
“We wish to express our deep gratitude for taking your precious time in providing us with information regarding the fate of a certain delivery driver who became a hapless victim of extortion from a supposed traffic officer. We are deeply sorry to learn of the delivery driver’s sad and frustrating experience with said alleged traffic enforcer who demanded money from him for a traffic violation.
However, the photo of the alleged Traffic Enforcer recently popped up in social media was identified as Mr. Jose Navarro, a dismissed MTPB Traffic Officer some time ago. Since he is already a Scalawag, his mode of operation perhaps is to position himself in areas with confusing road signs, obscured traffic lights, or ambiguous road markings to catch his would–be victim.
Again, we wish to reiterate that Mr. Navarro is no longer connected with the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), and should anyone happen to chance upon him on the road clad in Traffic Enforcer’s uniform and trying to apprehend a violator, they may immediately call the police authorities to effect his immediate arrest. ”