DILG employee faces raps for punching traffic aide

MANILA, Philippines - An employee of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is facing administrative charges for punching a traffic aide in Manila Monday.

 Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas said yesterday he has ordered the filing of administrative raps against Arvin Vinluan, operations officer at DILG-Calabarzon, for punching Jonard Jeramil, a traffic constable of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“This is a matter that will not be tolerated at the DILG and all other offices under it,” Roxas said.

 “The days of ‘ayusan’ (compromise) and ‘pakiusapan’ (dealing) are over. This administration has been very clear and consistent that it will pursue a policy of ‘matuwid na daan’ (straight path),” he added.

Roxas also placed Vinluan under preventive suspension to ensure that he will not be able to influence the ongoing investigation. 

The DILG employee may be reassigned to another office pending result of the probe.

Jeramil reportedly accosted Vinluan for jaywalking along España Boulevard in Manila.

Vinluan, however, ignored him and proceeded to take a commuter van. The MMDA constable then asked the van driver to stop.

Vinluan alighted from the van and argued with Jeramil. At the height of their argument, Vinluan allegedly punched Jeramil.

The suspect also shoved Jeramil, causing the traffic enforcer to almost hit the pavement. The incident was caught in a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera installed in the area.

“Media reports said Vinluan was flaunting his employment with the DILG. Our investigators will interview witnesses to determine if he indeed tried to show off his position at the DILG,” Roxas said.