PNP to traffic enforcers: Ignore police courtesy cards
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Here’s a stern reminder to traffic enforcers, especially to those who flagged down a curvaceous model for a traffic violation but let her go after she showed a courtesy card of a police official: Spare no one when enforcing the law.
The message came from Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson, amid a public backlash over the special treatment given by traffic enforcers to FHM-Philippines pinup girl Alyzza Agustin for having a police connection.
Agustin boasted on social media how she got away with a traffic violation by whipping out a signed card of Directorate for Plans chief Police Director Alexander Ignacio.
“Kahit ano’ng violation, hulihin. It doesn’t matter. All law enforcers should apprehend,” Mayor told reporters.
“Now to avoid abuse, law enforcers on the ground shouldn’t recognize anything. Especially those calling cards. Kapag nagpakita ng calling cards, hulihin niyo lalo!” Mayor said.
He also urged traffic enforcers on the ground to just “follow the rules” when in doubt if a violator presents a card of a police official.
Mayor said the PNP is even encouraging all its officials to come up with their own business cards so people in their jurisdiction could easily contact them.
“Do not abuse calling cards. They are meant for communication purposes. Nothing else,” he said.
When asked if Ignacio would be held liable for giving out his card to the sexy model, Mayor plainly asked, “who committed the violation?”
At the back of the card Agustin posted on Facebook was the signature of Ignacio and a message: “PLS ASSIST MY EA, ALYZZA AGUSTIN.”
Mayor, who is on his second day as the new PNP spokesperson, asked the public to give Ignacio a chance to air his side.
“Assuming that Director Ignacio really signed the card, it is still the law enforcer’s discretion if he would accept it,” he said.
Ignacio is currently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for an Aseanapol-hosted event.
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