G.A. Viray
The traffic aide in a viral Facebook post has finally spoken up. In an interview with Rappler, he said he did not apprehend the motorist, but just did a citizen’s arrest as a concerned citizen.
On June 20, 2015, Facebook user Nathaniel Tolentino posted photos of a traffic aide wearing civilian clothes who apprehended him along Aurora Boulevard, Cubao. According to him, a traffic aide named Melrick Paez was furious at him and apprehended him for “beating the red light.” When Tolentino asked for his mission order, Paez cussed at him while saying that only soldiers at war need a mission order. When Tolentino asked Paez if he really was on duty since he was wearing only shorts and slippers, Paez said that NBI agents need not be in uniform when they make an arrest.
Photo Screen-grabbed from Nathaniel Tolentino’s Facebook Page
Citizen’s Arrest
Paez said he did not apprehend Tolentino, but only “endorsed” him to another traffic enforcer. He also confirmed that he took Tolentino’s motorcycle key to prevent him from speeding away with his violation which may cause an accident. He said he just made a “citizen’s arrest” as a concerned citizen at that time since Tolentino “beat the red light” three times. Tolentino also explained that he does not have a mission order, but has a deputy order from the local government as a traffic aide. This deputy order gives him the authority to apprehend traffic violators.
No violation ticket issued
Tolentino was not issued a violation ticket. According to Paez, he and traffic enforcer Rodelio Galinde just let him go. When Tolentino asked Paez why he did not follow him, Galinde said it was because the area was not under his jurisdiction anymore, and there was heavy traffic that he had to manage. Galinde also said he was not able to witness what actually happened, and only saw Paez driving quickly along Aurora Boulevard in Cubao.
On a final note, Paez said motorists should respect traffic rules and traffic enforcers to prevent accidents. He said he just wanted Tolentino to learn a lesson which is the reason behind the “citizen’s arrest.”
Featured Photo Credit: Nathaniel Tolentino’s Facebook Page
