Traffic cop sacked over ‘colorum’ jeepneys

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman was relieved from his post for operating “colorum” or unregistered jeepneys, an official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

Edison Nebrija, MMDA operations supervisor, said members of the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic towed away three jeepneys owned by Senior Police Officer 2 Ariel Aguilar of the Quezon City Police District Traffic Sector 6 last Saturday.

He said his men were conducting a clearing operation at the Quezon Memorial Circle and the jeepneys were illegally parked.

Nebrija said he uploaded a video on Facebook recording Aguilar’s threat to kill them.

“With all the explanations I did regarding our operation and that letting it go was not an option the policeman flared up and said, ‘Subukan niyong hatakin iyan, magkakamatayan tayo (Try towing them, I’ll kill you)!’” Nebrija said. 

He said the MMDA is just doing its job.

“Apparently, he did not receive the memo of President Duterte that we are mandated to clear all roads,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nebrija said the policeman will be charged with illegal parking and for operating unregistered vehicles. 

“Wrong move, buddy! We called his commanding officer who responded quickly, disarmed the policeman and later relieved him of his post,” he said.