MMDA: No arming of traffic enforcers despite shooting incident

Following the shooting of a traffic enforcer by a motorist last Wednesday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is studying ways on how its traffic enforcers can defend themselves in road-rage incidents. But the MMDA assured the public it will not take drastic measures such as arming its enforcers without at least studying all options thoroughly. "Naintindihan natin ang concern ng mamamayan, ayaw natin maabuso ito ... We just want to study how we can protect our enforcers," MMDA spokesperson Tina Velasco said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Velasco said the MMDA is looking for a balance between allowing MMDA traffic enforcers to protect themselves and preventing enforcers from abusing their authority. Last Wednesday, MMDA enforcer Larry Fiala was shot and wounded after apprehending motorist Edward John Gonzalez in Mandaluyong City. Gonzalez now faces charges of frustrated murder, while Fiala is recuperating in a hospital. The incident prompted suggestions to arm MMDA traffic enforcers so they can defend themselves. But Velasco admitted the MMDA is wary of perceptions that Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and other major thoroughfares may become a "wild, wild west" if MMDA enforcers were to get firearms to defend themselves. "Pag-aaralan ito nang mabuti. Hindi ito ang solution na tinitingnan, hindi magiging drastic. Pag-aaralan yan ng traffic supervisors and leaders," she said. Other options the MMDA is studying include a basic martial art-based self-defense course and a buddy system for enforcers, she said. "More of self-defense na hindi rin dapat abusuhin [pero] mahirap kalabanin ang baril. Ang basic self-defense siguro pwede," she said. — LBG, GMA News