Traffic enforcers hold rally in sympathy for wounded colleague

MANILA, Philippines — Around 230 traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority held a rally Friday in front of the Mandaluyong City Hall of Justice in sympathy for a colleague who was shot and wounded by a traffic violator.

The enforcers in their blue uniforms came with placards saying “Justice for enforcer Fiala!” and appealed to authorities to ensure the suspect in the shooting would not be let off the hook.

Larry Fiala remained in guarded condition at a hospital after he was shot at least five times by a motorist identified as Edward John Gonzales, 30, whom he had accosted for violating vehicle reduction regulations.

The incident happened during the afternoon rush hour on Wednesday.

The suspect was arrested by the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group hours after the shooting. He was later charged with frustrated murder and direct assault on an agent of a person in authority at the city prosecutor’s office.

Danilo Parreno, head of the Western Traffic District, who accompanied his 176-strong traffic force, said assaults on traffic enforcers by motorists was not unusual.

“Most of us have experienced being threatened with a club or lead pipe. But if the motorist has a gun, it is best to just run,” Parreno said in Filipino.

MMDA officials Emerson Carlos, assistant general manager for operations and spokesperson Tina Velasco joined the assembly, which lasted for about an hour.

“This is a plea to bring back respect to our enforcers who are trying to enforce the law. We just want to make sure justice takes over,” Velasco said in an interview.