A Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) traffic enforcer was injured after being hit and run over by a sport utility vehicle (SUV) while directing traffic at the Escario Street–Osmeña Boulevard intersection on Wednesday morning, July 1.
The injured enforcer, identified by authorities as 44-year-old Jovanne Tudtud Verano, was rushed to Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital after the incident, which occurred at around 8:30 a.m. in front of the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
Initial investigation by the Cebu City Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) showed that Verano was managing traffic when he signaled a white Isuzu MU-X to stop.
As he moved toward the middle lane to direct other vehicles, the SUV suddenly accelerated, hitting him and causing him to fall onto the road.
Investigators said the vehicle’s left front wheel ran over Verano’s left hand before the SUV continued moving.
The driver, a 62-year-old resident of Toledo City, was later stopped by bystanders after his vehicle became caught in traffic a short distance from the intersection.
He was turned over to the TEU and remained in police custody while authorities prepared charges.
In an interview, CCTO head Raquel Arce said the driver denied intentionally fleeing the scene and insisted the incident was accidental.
According to Arce, the driver said he had stopped after the traffic enforcer signaled him but accidentally released the brake pedal while the vehicle remained in drive.
“He said he stepped on the brake when the enforcer stopped him, but because the vehicle was automatic, he accidentally released the brake without shifting to neutral or park, causing the SUV to move forward,” Arce said.
She added that authorities also asked whether the driver had been distracted by a mobile phone or any other activity before the incident, but he denied being distracted.
Arce said the driver also disclosed that he had undergone bypass surgery a few months ago and had been advised by his doctor not to drive.
“He admitted he had a bypass operation just a few months ago. I even asked him why he drove to Cebu City despite that condition because traffic here is very different from Toledo,” she said.
Despite the explanation, Arce said the Cebu City Government would proceed with filing criminal charges following the directive of Mayor Nestor Archival.
“The mayor called me from Manila and instructed us to file a case,” Arce said.
She said the driver’s age and medical condition do not excuse the incident because the victim was performing his official duties as a traffic enforcer.
“We have to set an example that motorists must exercise extreme caution whenever a traffic enforcer is on the road. He is an agent of a person in authority carrying out his duty,” Arce said.
The city is expected to file charges once the required documents are completed, after which the driver may post bail in accordance with legal procedures.
Meanwhile, Verano remained under medical care as doctors assessed the extent of his injuries.
Arce said initial findings showed that three bones in the ring finger of his left hand were crushed after being run over by the SUV, while one fingernail was also torn off.
Additional laboratory examinations were still being conducted as of Wednesday afternoon.
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