Traffic enforcer shot for refusing to release impounded motorcycle

MANILA, Philippines — A traffic enforcer was shot in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, after refusing to release an impounded motorcycle, the Cavite Police Provincial Office said Sunday.

According to the Cavite provincial police, the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at around 5:48 p.m. in Barangay Burol 1, Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

READ: Traffic enforcer on duty shot, hurt in Cotabato

Initial investigation showed that the victim, identified only by his alias “Rans,” and his co-worker had flagged down a motorcycle carrying a male and female rider who were not wearing helmets before the incident.

After both enforcers discovered that the motorcycle’s registration was already expired and that the male driver also allegedly had no valid driver’s license, the vehicle was marked for impoundment and left at the area pending towing.

Several hours later, the suspect, identified only by their alias “Cezar,” reportedly returned to the intersection and repeatedly demanded the release of the impounded motorcycle.

READ: LTO suspends license of driver who tried to run over enforcer

When the victim refused, the suspect allegedly drew a short firearm and shot him in the temple before fleeing on foot toward Barangay H2, Dasmariñas City.

The victim enforcer was then immediately rushed to Pagamutan ng Dasmariñas, where he remains confined for medical treatment.

With this, the Cavite Police Provincial Office said it has already activated a follow-up team to conduct backtracking and forward tracking of available CCTV footage, while statements from the victim’s co-workers and other witnesses are being secured.

A dragnet operation has also already been requested to facilitate the immediate identification and apprehension of the suspect, who remains at large.

The police office then appealed to the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess relevant CCTV footage to coordinate with police.

“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence against a traffic enforcer who was simply performing his lawful duty. No individual has the right to use violence or threaten the lives of those who are enforcing the law and maintaining order in our communities,” Cavite police provincial director PCol. Ariel Red said in a statement.

“Let this be clear: we will not allow violence to prevail over the rule of law. I have directed our personnel to exhaust all lawful means to identify, locate, and apprehend the suspect. Our investigators and follow-up teams are continuously pursuing every lead, including available CCTV footage and witness accounts,” he added. /cb