MTPB officer linked to alleged extortion arrested

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Traffic And Parking Bureau (MTPB) officer who was involved in an alleged extortion incident in Sta. Cruz, Manila has been arrested by authorities and is now detained at the office of the Manila City Hall Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMaRT).

The arrested MTPB officer was identified as Ricardo Galit.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno earlier threatened to fire all personnel of the MTPB l if they fail to identify their erring colleague who was caught in a security camera video while allegedly accepting a bribe from a motorist.

“Bibigyan ko kayo ng isang araw ha. Pag hindi n’yo itinuro sa akin iyung nasa video, lahat kayo tatanggalin ko,” Moreno told members of the MTPB after Monday’s  flag-raising ceremony at the Manila City Hall.

Manila Public Information Office chief Julius Leonen said Galit was immediately turned over by the MTPB to authorities.

During the press conference, Moreno confiscated Galit’s identification card and traffic enforcer’s vest.

Moreno said that despite the alleged extortion incident, Galit had actually performed well as an officer of the MTPB when he stopped the motorcycle as its three riders were not wearing crash helmets.

“Kasalanan nung taong bayan, nung na nagmamaneho ng motor, mali ho yun ah, mali yun ah — nanay, tatay, anak, lahat sila walang helmet. Tatlo sa isang motor, hinuli niya. Tama iyon,” Moreno said.

“Ang problema, tumanggap. Tanong: Paano kung hindi navideohan? Tapos andito kami sa harapan niyo nagsasa-ayos, tapos ang sinasabi pala ng tao e totoo. E buti pa vendor etneb etneb lang, e ito limang daan e,” he added.

According to Galit, he got tempted to accept the money from the motorist because of poverty.

Moreno said Galit was relieved from duty as a consequence of his action.

“He will no longer be part of the MTPB. Charges will be filed against him,” Moreno said./muf

READ: Isko Moreno threatens to sack all MTPB personnel over extorting member