Traffic enforcer shot dead in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines — A traffic enforcer, who was running after a violator, was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding assailants in Pasay City yesterday morning.

Joey de Chavez, a member of the city’s traffic and parking bureau, died at the scene from multiple gunshots to the body.

According to a police report, De Chavez was manning traffic along EDSA Extension when he accosted a driver of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) due to a traffic violation.

The driver of the SUV sped off, prompting De Chavez to board his motorcycle and run after the SUV.

Probers said two men on a motorcycle blocked De Chaves’ path. The back rider opened fire until the traffic enforcer fell off his motorcycle, police said.

Police have yet to determine if the motorcycle riders were backup of the SUV.

Meanwhile, a former policeman was killed in a separate shooting in Pasay on Sunday night.

Joselito Lopez, 46, died on the spot.

Reports said Lopez, his son and a friend were in a bar along Zamora street in Barangay 95 when the incident happened.

Witnesses said a man wearing a bullcap and a face mask approached Lopez, drew out his gun and fired at the victim.

Another customer, 31-year-old Arlene Israel, was wounded after being hit by a stray bullet.