A SPECIAL utility vehicle (SUV) with license plate number 7 allegedly attempted to run over a female traffic enforcer after being caught driving in the bus lane on Sunday evening.
Vehicle registration plates with the number 7 are assigned to senators.
According to an online post by the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT), the vehicle was flagged down on the northbound EDSA lane of Guadalupe Station at 6:28 PM.
“While assisting buses to move forward, Secretariat Sarah Barnachea of the DOTr-SAICT noticed the white SUV illegally passing through the bus lane.
Barnachea approached the vehicle to apprehend and verify the driver’s identity. However, the driver, instead of cooperating, attempted to run over Barnachea and flee the scene,” the post stated.
Another traffic enforcer, identified as Secretariat Reyno, assisted Barnachea in attempting to apprehend the driver and his passenger.
“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 post added.
“Adding to the disrespectful behavior, a passenger in the back seat of the SUV raised their middle finger at the officers as they fled.”
The Special Action and Intelligence Committee said it would turn over a copy of the video to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for a Show Cause Order against the violator.
“We condemn the actions of the driver and the passenger in this incident,” said Jonathan Gesmundo, Executive Assistant to the DOTr Secretary.
“Our officers were simply doing their jobs to maintain order and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. We will work closely with the authorities to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible and hold them accountable for their actions.”
The Senate has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
