Driver of SUV with ‘7’ plate allegedly attempts to run over an enforcer

A vehicle bearing a plate number 7 allegedly attempted to run over an enforcer on Sunday evening. (Screengrab / DOTr)

MANILA, Philippines — The driver of a white Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) bearing plate number 7 — a protocol plate assigned to senators — has allegedly attempted to run over a lady enforcer in Guadalupe, Makati City.

In a statement, the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr- SAICT) said the incident occurred at approximately 6:58 p.m. on Sunday at Guadalupe Station’s northbound lane.

According to the agency, one of their lady enforcers noticed the white SUV “illegally passing” through the bus lane, prompting the officer to approach the vehicle to apprehend and verify its driver’s identity.

“However, the driver, instead of cooperating, attempted to run over Secretariat Barnachea and flee the scene,” said DOTr-SAICT on Sunday.

The agency said another enforcer witnessed the driver’s supposed non-compliance, initiating to help the lady enforcer in trouble.

“[But] despite their efforts to approach the driver politely and perform their duties, the driver continued to resist and eventually reversed the vehicle until reaching the open barrier, where they managed to escape,” the agency claimed.

DOTr-SAICT likewise said a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle “raised a middle finger” at the officers as they fled.

No other details regarding who owns the vehicle have been provided at the moment.

DOTr-SAICT said it condemns the actions of the driver and the passenger in the recent incident.

“Our officers were simply doing their jobs to maintain order and ensure the smooth flow of traffic,” it pointed out.

“We will work closely with the authorities to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible and hold them accountable for their actions,” the agency added.