Due process assured for 2 traffic aides in extort try
City Mayor Jerry Treñas assured that the two traffic auxiliaries accused of extorting money from a driver of a passenger jeepney would be given due process before any disciplinary action would be imposed against them.
Treñas, however, stressed that he will not tolerate the misdeeds of the traffic aides.
Traffic aides Rizaldy Rosauro, 45, and Ike Nava, 50, all of Punong Lapuz, Lapaz were arrested by a cop assigned at the intelligence division of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 last Wednesday for allegedly extorting money from a driver.
The cop, whose name was withheld, was riding in the Jaro CPU jeep driven by Rizal Guilaran when the two traffic aides allegedly asked for P100 from the driver. The two traffic aides went on board the passenger jeep in front of the Gaisano City in Lapaz.
The driver begged before he two traffic aides since he has no money to give. Instead of heeding the driver's plea, the two traffic aides reduced the amount they are asking to P50.
In heat of the bargaining negotiation, the cop identified himself and requested the two traffic aides to stop mulcting money from the driver since it is a big humiliation on their part as traffic enforcers. However, the two allegedly demanded for an identification card from the police.
The two traffic aides were then brought to the Lapaz police station upon the request of the police. While, at the police station, the two traffic auxiliaries apologized to Guilaran. No complaint was filed against the two traffic aides after the driver has forgiven them.
Treñas said the absence of an official complaint is not a guarantee that the city government will not lift its finger against erring traffic aides.
He said there are already a number of traffic auxiliaries who were terminated because of extortion and other cases. The city government has already put in place their (traffic aides) disciplinary code, the mayor added.
The chief executive also belied the allegations of some traffic aides on the low pay they are receiving from the city government.
He said, it is not an excuse and they even have other benefits such as the health insurance from PhilHealth.