Traffic enforcers mistakenly nabbed a delivery rider for riding with a helmetless passenger—who turned out to be a mannequin—while maintaining traffic safety and efficiency on the roads as part of their day-to-day duties. Photo: Courtesy of Just Ride Palawan/Facebook
Traffic enforcers mistakenly nabbed a delivery man whom they spotted riding with a helmetless passenger, who turned out to be a mannequin.
Ryan Jay Aljecera was on his way to deliver the mannequin to a customer when traffic enforcers flagged him along Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan for an apparent traffic violation.
“Noong pinahinto po ako ng traffic enforcers, nagulat din po ako kasi naisip ko rin na wala rin po akong mali. Tapos po grabe ung tawa nila nung pagkita nila [na mannequin pala iyong angkas ko],” Aljecera told Be An INQUIRER in an interview.
(I was surprised when the traffic enforcers stopped me because I knew I had not done anything wrong. When they realized I was just riding with a mannequin, they burst out laughing.)
He said the traffic enforcers who halted his delivery found the incident hilarious and even called their companions to show them what happened.
“‘Ang sexy ng angkas mo pero walang helmet ah’ (Your rider looks sexy, but it’s not wearing a helmet),” he recalled the traffic enforcers as telling him in jest.
Not only the traffic officers found the incident funny but also other motorists and passersby who witnessed them on the road, according to Aljecera.
Photos of his hilarious experience have gone viral on social media after the admin of the Just Ride Palawan Facebook page—who preferred not to be named—posted them on Monday, Aug. 15. One of the photos shows a traffic enforcer giving the rider a thumbs up after Aljecera passed the inspection.
Social media users, meanwhile, were also delighted by the incident; one even bought Aljecera a milk tea as a treat for the good vibes he brought online.
Ryan Jay Aljecera holds a cup of milk tea, which was a treat from a social media user who was delighted by his now-viral photos. Photo: Courtesy of ED Sarita, Love Cup San Pedro/Facebook
Although the events that transpired with him went well, Aljecera wants his fellow delivery riders to drive responsibly to prevent them from being apprehended for traffic violations. “Madalas po kasi, kakamadali nila, pinipilit nila na makatawid ng kalsada kahit naka-red na [ung traffic light]. Iyon po ‘yung madalas na mapapara sila at matiticketan.”
(When they are in a rush, they often attempt to cross the road even when [the traffic light] is red; this usually results in them being caught and ticketed.)
“Huwag tayong lumabag sa batas. Ang pagiging delivery rider, lalo na sa pagkain, oras po kasi talaga ung basehan. Kaya madalas pong mabilis ang takbo ng mga rider. Kaya doble ingat po talaga—para sa ating [kapakanan],” he said.
(We must not violate the law. For a food delivery rider, time is of the essence. Thus, delivery drivers often drive fast. That is why we must be extra cautious when driving—for our own safety.) /ra
RELATED STORIES:
5 Metro Manila cities to continue no-contact apprehension policy
Cebu-based couple wows in Goth-themed prenup photoshoot
Viral college student moonlighting as deliveryman graduates magna cum laude from Adamson University