MMDA mulls arming its supervisors in wake of "drag racers" assaulting traffic enforcer in Pasay

Philstar.com-citing a February 20 dzRH interview-reports that Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino "is pushing for putting guns in the hands of some traffic enforcers." Tolentino made the suggestion in the wake of traffic enforcer Raul Reuterez being beaten up by a group of illegal scooter racers at the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard last Saturday, February 18.

The report quoted Tolentino, who said, "The plan is to arm supervisors, the ones with the rank of Traffic Officer 2 and 3. They are the ones with master's degrees and who I believe would be responsible." For the record, Tolentino revealed that "there are no more than 20 supervisors in the MMDA."

However, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz told The Philippine Star in a phone interview that "MMDA personnel could apply for a permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR), just like any other civilian gun owner." He pointed out that "traffic enforcers cannot be issued guns to be used in their daily duties as they are not considered law enforcers." "As such, just like any other citizen, they can request for a PTCFOR.

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