Makati police: Being bipolar no excuse for ‘dangerous’ driver
The yellow Kia when it did damage at Rockwell on Nov. 11 — KITT LAPENA FACEBOOK
Saying her being bipolar cannot be used as an excuse, the Makati City police have recommended the filing of a civil case against the driver who injured security guards and damaged property at Rockwell Center last month.
They also want Jamie Camille Brojan to undergo “further medical examination to determine her fitness to drive and to possess a driver’s license,” citing the danger she could pose to the public.
A two-page report signed by Makati police officer in charge, Senior Supt. Elmedio Tagara, said the 28-year-old Brojan “reacted dangerously while being apprehended for a traffic violation, which resulted in multiple injuries and damage to property.”
The report is now with the city’s legal department.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay earlier ordered a full investigation into the Nov. 11 incident, saying it should not be treated lightly as it involved a serious offense that not only damaged public property but also endangered pedestrians and motorists.
The police said Brojan, then driving a yellow Kia Picanto (EG 5100), tried to escape when motorcycle-riding security guards at Rockwell cited her for illegal parking on Amorsolo Drive.
A video that went viral on social media caught the ensuing chase that lasted for more than an hour and injured four guards. Aside from damaging Rockwell property, Brojan’s car also hit some parked vehicles in Barangay Poblacion.
Brojan’s camp later cited her bipolar disorder—which causes unusual shifts in mood and energy levels, affecting one’s ability to carry out tasks—to explain how she behaved behind the wheel, saying it was triggered by her apprehension over the road violation.
Not exempted
Tagara’s report noted that what responding policemen initially thought to be drug paraphernalia turned out to be “foil from candy wrappers, cigarette packs and medications for the health disorder of the suspect.”
But it maintained that “the suspect’s health condition cannot be a ground for her to be exempted from any liability.”
While the driver and Rockwell security personnel had entered into an amicable settlement, the police said “Brojan is still responsible for the damaged properties and should suffer the consequences.”
“The incident could happen again and will endanger other people around her if her brain disorder will (be) initiated again by an unpleasant situation while on the road and driving a vehicle,” the report added.
Makati Police Community Precinct 6 commander Senior Insp. Oliver Benaldo said the four security guards involved in the incident—all from Southbend Security and Investigative Services Inc.—did not press charges after Brojan agreed to shoulder their medical expenses.
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