The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering forming a special armed group in the aftermath of a traffic enforcer reportedly being shot by a motorist.

Fiala was brought by a taxi driver to a hospital, where he is currently “fighting for his life”. Gonzales was apprehended and has been charged with attempted murder.

Following the incident, the Philippine Star reports that MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino has revisited a previous proposal to arm MMDA officers, through the creation of a special armed group.

“We do not intend to arm all our traffic enforcers,” clarified MMDA assistant general manager for planning Tina Velasco. “It would help safeguard the traffic enforcers who are only doing their service but only a few traffic enforcers will be trained and armed as part of their public safety mandate.”

She added that the plan still requires consideration and consultation with stakeholders before being implemented.

Velasco also said in a dzBB interview that there have been at least five other cases of MMDA officers being hospitalized due to similar attacks.

The MMDA is also improving its training program to better equip traffic enforcers.

“This is also a wake up call internally. We assure the public that we have the MMDA Traffic Academy and we have the regular training for our enforcers, ” said Velasco.