A Maserati-driving businessman accused of mauling a traffic officer in the Philippine capital went on national television on Friday to defend himself after he was transformed into an Internet villain.
The businessman, Joseph Russel Ingco, told national evening newscasts that he felt forced to explain his side of the incident out of safety fears.
Ingco was caught on video holding a traffic officer by his shirt and dragging him along the road out of the window of his blue Maserati Ghibli. The officer had flagged him down for a violation.
The video, shot by another traffic officer, went viral, drawing the ire of the country’s vocal Facebook and Twitter users, and prompting city authorities to put up a 100,000 peso (US$2,000) reward for information on the man’s whereabouts.
Social media users vilified Ingco, calling him a “road bully,” “liar” and “mauler.”
“This shows that social media can be a tool for justice,” Francis Tolentino, head of a government body that manages traffic in Manila, told reporters yesterday.
“I am afraid for my safety. I am willing to face the consequences,” Ingco told GMA television, stuttering at some points during the interview.
Ingco admitted to punching the officer, but said it was only to loosen the officer’s grip on his shirt collar. He claimed the officer punched him too, though he had no visible bruises on his face.
The officer, Jorbe Adriatico, was to undergo surgery yesterday to repair a broken nose.
“I still couldn’t sleep. The incident keeps playing in my head,” Adriatico, with a bandaged nose, told ABS-CBN television of his Thursday morning run-in with Ingco.
Police filed an assault complaint against Ingco before city prosecutors, who will decide if he is to stand trial. No arrest warrant has been issued.
Tolentino vouched for the traffic officer’s credibility, saying he had so far served an exemplary six years with the traffic bureau and was cited by police for helping arrest street criminals.
“I think he’s telling the truth. He’s a credible guy and we stand by him,” he said.
Tolentino said video of the incident “affirms the truthfulness” of the traffic aide’s statement.
Tolentino said he would help Adriatico pursue charges against Ingco and would oppose possible attempts at a settlement.
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