MMDA traffic constable dragged by SUV still in critical condition

MANILA, Philippines—Breathing through a tube, the traffic constable of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) who was dragged by a maroon Isuzu Sportivo which he had flagged down for being on the wrong lane remains in critical condition.

The Sportivo’s driver, however, denied the allegation and asked for the closed circuit television (CCTV) footage of the incident on Friday morning along Edsa in Cubao, Quezon City.

Mark Ian Libunao, a 35-year-old family driver, was arrested in San Miguel, Bulacan, between 8 p.m. to 9p.m. on Friday, according to Supt. Ely Pintang, chief of the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Quezon City Police District.

The driver of the Isuzu Sportivo (not a Mitsubishi Adventure as earlier reported) was flagged down by MMDA traffic enforcer Sonny Acosta, 38, for moving along the lane designated for provincial buses.

According to witnesses, when Acosta asked for the motorist’s license, the driver rolled up his window and drove off, Rechille, the wife of the traffic enforcer said.

Acosta’s hand got stuck that’s why it remained “purplish and swollen,” she added

“We’re not sure what happened after that. His fellow MMDA traffic enforcers just saw him lying on the ground with blood all over him,”

He remained in critical condition at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City because his head was badly injured, she added.

But Libuanao said, “I never hit anyone. Our vehicle doesn’t even have a single scratch. But if there’s a CCTV footage then there’s nothing I can do.”

Records of the Land Transportation Office showed that the Isuzu Sportivo with license plate no. AAB4197 was registered to Dante F. Borguete, whose license expired on Sept. 3, 2013.

Pintang said Libunao was driving for Borguete’s father-in-law.

“We did not focus on the passengers. What’s important is we were able to establish that Libunao was the driver,” he added.

A case of reckless imprudence resulting to serious physical injuries was filed yesterday against Libunao.

Acosta, who has three daughters, is the family’s sole breadwinner. His youngest child is just 6 months old.

Rechille, a housewife, described his husband as hardworking. “He makes it a point to have a perfect attendance every year,” she added.

The MMDA paid an initial deposit of P100,000 for Acosta’s hospitalization. But it could reach up a million pesos if Acosta stayed for 10 days with operation, Rechille said.

St. Lukes had asked for a guarantee from the MMDA to shoulder the hospital expenses.

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