Cop, MMDA enforcer figure in brawl in Tondo

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer was allegedly attacked by an enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) during a traffic altercation in Tondo, Manila on Tuesday.

Senior Police Officer 1 Michael Pastor, assigned with the Manila Police District (MPD) General Assignment and Investigation Section, said he figured in a brawl with MMDA traffic enforcer Abraham Nuqui in Barangay 249.

Pastor said he was on a motorcycle on the way to the MPD headquarters when he crossed paths with the motorcycle-riding Nuqui, who was reportedly drunk.

The policeman said Nuqui punched him in the face in front of the house of barangay chairman Rolando del Rosario.

When he fell down, Pastor took out his gun and fired twice, hitting Nuqui in the shoulder.

Del Rosario, brother-in-law of Nuqui, backed up Pastor’s statement.

Nuqui was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to Senior Inspector Henry Navarro.

Police said a complaint for direct assault would be filed against Nuqui before the city prosecutor’s office.

Pastor is the second policeman who fired his firearm during the Christmas revelry, after PO1 Danilo Tiempo of the Navotas police mobile patrol unit who went on a shooting spree in Caloocan City that left seven persons wounded.

Pastor said he fired his gun in self-defense.

The Philippine National Police has stopped the traditional sealing of gun muzzles to prevent indiscriminate firing by PNP members during the New Year revelry.