Belmonte vows justice for ‘hero’ enforcer

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday hailed the bravery of and vowed justice for traffic enforcer Jeffrey Antolin, who died after saving a pedestrian from a wayward truck earlier this week.

“The Quezon City government condoles with the family and loved ones of traffic enforcer Antolin and will provide all the needed assistance during this time of loss and grief,” Belmonte said in a statement.

“We will also ensure that the trailer truck driver, owner or whomsoever is found responsible will be held accountable and penalized to the fullest extent of the law. Moreover, the city government shall pursue all efforts to ensure the safety of the pedestrians in the area,” she added.

Antolin was manning traffic at a pedestrian crossing along A. Bonifacio Avenue on Wednesday when he saved a pedestrian who was about to get hit by a loaded trailer truck.

The traffic enforcer was run over by the truck after he pushed the pedestrian out of harm’s way. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the MCU Hospital.

The driver was arrested and will face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

“The supreme sacrifice and heroism of traffic enforcer Antolin serves as an inspiration to everyone in the Quezon City government. We thank him and his family for his service to the people of Quezon City,” Belmonte said.