2 MMDA enforcers sacked for extortion

MANILA, Philippines — Two traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have been dismissed from the service for allegedly extorting money from a motorist.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos ordered the dismissal of traffic constables Edmon Belleca and Christian Malemit, who were found guilty of grave misconduct.

The MMDA also filed charges of robbery and extortion against Belleca and Malemit.

In a Facebook post on April 23 that went viral, Miriel Custodio called out the MMDA personnel for apprehending her for a supposed traffic violation along A. Bonifacio Avenue in Balintawak, Quezon City.

Custodio said she was fined P2,000 for reckless driving by the enforcers and another P5,000 for distracted driving after she was caught using a cell phone for road navigation.

She said the traffic enforcers demanded P1,000 in exchange for the dropping of charges.