Traffic violator’s pa nabbed for ‘bribing’ cop

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A man was arrested after he allegedly bribed a police officer to save his son from a traffic violation during a police checkpoint at Barangay Maquiling, Sagay City, Negros Occidental last Saturday.

Arrested was Jimmy Obas, 47, of Barangay Colonia Divina.

Police Major Antonio Benitez Jr., city police chief, said they were conducting a checkpoint against “open pipe” motorcycle mufflers around 12 noon when they flagged down Obas’ son.

Benitez said Obas’ son violated City Ordinance No. 2015-002 or “An Ordinance Regulating the Operation of Motor Vehicles with Modified Mufflers within the City of Sagay, thus his motorcycle was impounded. He also had no driver’s license.

Benitez said the son informed the older Obas about the infraction and when the latter arrived, talked to him to ask for a favor, but the police chief refused.

Obas then talked to one of the personnel of Sagay City Police Station, who flagged down his son and allegedly offered him P400 to settle his son’s violations, but he was instead arrested for corruption of public official.

Benitez said they adhere to the mandate of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on “no take policy” in exchange of favors.

“Na insultuhan ang isa ko ka personnel kay gin attempt niya suhulan amo na nga gindakop siya,” he added.

Benitez said the charges will be filed against Obas today (Monday).

He said Obas and his son asked for forgiveness from them but it was too late because one of his personnel felt insulted of their action.

Meanwhile, around 40 motorcycle riders were sanctioned for some traffic violations and for violating the said city ordinance that day, Benitez said.

Last Friday, police also served an arrest warrant against a man for the same offense after he reportedly bribed Benitez for P200 to allow him to pass through a checkpoint, even if he had a traffic violation for not having a driver’s license in October 2019.