A traffic enforcer in Mandaue City is facing removal from service after allegedly using his authority to apprehend a motorist while he was off duty.
Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) head Hyll Retuya said Monday, Sept. 28, that the agency is awaiting action from the Human Resources Office on the proposed removal of job order personnel Reydan Ouano.
Ouano was caught on video on the evening of Sept. 26 issuing a citation ticket and taking the driver’s license of a motorist in Barangay Opao despite being off duty, according to Retuya.
Retuya said Ouano also allegedly invoked his surname, “Ouano,” while confronting the motorist.
During a discussion with the agency on Sunday morning, Ouano reportedly admitted that he had been drinking before the incident and was under the influence of alcohol when he apprehended the motorist, Retuya said.
The incident involved motorist Christian Camilo Charcos, who was allegedly confronted by Ouano after overtaking him along G. Ouano St. in Barangay Opao.
Retuya said the accounts of the two parties differed on how the confrontation began.
Charcos reportedly said he had overtaken Ouano, while Ouano claimed that Charcos had hit his motorcycle, prompting him to chase and corner the motorist.
Charcos denied hitting Ouano’s motorcycle and said he did not intend to overtake the TEAM personnel, according to Retuya.
Regardless of the circumstances leading to the confrontation, Retuya said Ouano violated agency rules by apprehending a motorist while off duty.
Traffic enforcers are not authorized to apprehend motorists or enforce traffic regulations outside their official duty, Retuya said. TEAM personnel are also prohibited from carrying citation tickets and radios when they are off duty.
Retuya said the video showed Ouano was not wearing his uniform but was carrying citation tickets and a radio when he confronted Charcos.
The TEAM chief said the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and abuse of authority, with violations subject to disciplinary action.
TEAM also contacted Charcos on Sept. 27 and removed the citation from his record after determining that the apprehension was invalid, Retuya said.
He apologized to Charcos, whom he said was still a student, and acknowledged that the incident constituted a violation by a TEAM personnel.
Retuya said traffic enforcers are expected to set an example in implementing traffic regulations and must observe proper conduct even while off-duty.
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