Driver nabbed for challenging cop to fistfight at checkpoint

CEBU, Philippines —  A man was arrested for challenging a cop to a fistfight after the former was flagged down at a border checkpoint in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City yesterday morning.

Aldrin Velez, a truck driver, was told to take the lane intended for essential goods and was asked to present his driver’s license and quarantine pass.

He came from delivering goods in Lapu-Lapu City.

The police officer then called out Velez, 25, who made it appear as though he was in a hurry.

But Velez allegedly mocked and belittled the cop.

The driver also kept on parroting back the words the cop said, according to Police Major Dindo Alaras, Mabolo Police Station chief.

“Init iya (driver) ulo morag gadali,” said Alaras.

He said the driver was also sarcastic and disrespectful.

“Katong gipangitaan siya (driver)og identification card, niingon rag ‘naa ra dira.’ Gitubag pud siya sa atong police na ‘ayaw pag ing-ana sir kay nagtrabaho raman mi,’” he said.

Velez then challenged the cop to a fistfight and even told him to remove his uniform, said Alaras.

But Alaras said he was able to pacify the two.

Alaras said Velez apologized to the policeman after his arrest.

But Alaras said Velez will face complaints for unjust vexation, oral defamation, and disobedience to person in authority.

For his part, Police Colonel Hector Grijaldo,Cebu City Police (CCPO) director, said it was a big insult to the policeman.

“Authorized man ang ilang pagbyahe...but we subjected them (truck drivers) for some quarantine  check,” Grijado said.

He called on the public to give due respect to police officers and to uniformed personnel.

“Respect them because they are just doing their jobs,” he said.  KQD (FREEMAN)