By DAVE ACHONDO
Desk Editor
A VETERAN correspondent has filed a complaint against a member of the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) for unjust vexation for confronting him while he was taking pictures of traffic law enforcers while they were working in the rain.
Angelito Rulona, a correspondent of this paper, sent a letter of complaint to Mayor Oscar Moreno through RTA overseer Jose Edgardo Uy on Wednesday, a day after he complained of unjust vexation against the RTA member at the Police Station no. 5 in Puntod.
Copies of the complaint were sent to this paper, the RTA, and Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) president Msgr. Elmer Abacahin.
Through photographs taken by Rulona, the RTA identified the traffic enforcer as Jay P. Salcedo a.k.a. Majimbo, a member of the RTA’s Roving Team.
In his complaint, the 48-year old alleged that Salcedo confronted him at around 7:20 pm on Monday while he was taking photos of a group of traffic law enforcers on C.M. Recto Ave..
Rulona said he took photos because he was amazed that the traffic enforcers were directing traffic in the area despite the rain. He described what he witnessed as an “extraordinary and laudable act.”
But he said an angry Salcedo approached him and demanded to know why he was taking pictures.
“Ngano litratro, litrato ka man diha? Ilegal man kanang imong gihimo,” he quoted Salcedo as saying.
Rulona said he showed Salcedo his press card and asked the RTA member to calm down because he was just documenting their work as traffic enforcers.
Rather than calming down, Rulona said Salcedo continued yelling at him, and even said: “Walay media, media sa amo karon, mao nang ga-ambuson mo ug pamatyon kay wala mo kabalo sa inyung trabaho.”
Rulona said he tried to explain to Salcedo but the irate RTA member went on with his tirade: “Ngano ga-picture man ka? Ga-illegal mi diri? Maau man mo kay diha ra man kamo sa inyung opisina.”
Rulona said Salcedo then challenged him to report the matter or file a complaint. He quoted Salcedo as saying: “Sumbong bisan asa kay atubangon taka. Dili ko mahadlok kay wala koy kahadlukan.”
Rulona brought the matter to the attention of RTA chief Engr. Nonito Oclarit and Uy, and showed them photos that he took. It was Oclarit and Uy who identified Salcedo.
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