Fake traffic enforcer charged

MANILA, Philippines - Criminal charges were filed against an alleged fake traffic enforcer who was arrested by the head of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Ilocos region, whom the suspect tried to threaten with a gun early this week.

Marino Soriano Jr. was wearing an LTO uniform when he allegedly demanded money from a group of jeepney operators in San Fernando, La Union Thursday afternoon, according to lawyer Teofilo Guadiz III, director of the LTO-Region 1.

“He even threatened to pull out a gun, which turned out to be fake,” Guadiz told The STAR. 

He said Soriano was with a group of other fake enforcers, who managed to escape upon sensing Guadiz’ arrival.

Guadiz said the LTO office had received complaints against fake enforcers mulcting jeepney drivers and operators in various terminal.

“They had been at it for about six months already, based on the complaints,” Guadiz said adding Soriano is reportedly a son of a retired LTO district head in Tarlac.

Soriano was charged with robbery and usurpation of authority.