Quezon City salutes traffic enforcer who sacrificed life to save cyclist
MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City local government has honored the bravery and heroism of a traffic enforcer who died after saving a cyclist from being hit by a 14-wheeler truck last March 22.
“We salute the bravery and heroism of Traffic Enforcer Jeffrey Antolin of our Quezon City Traffic and Transport Management Department. Antolin went above and beyond the call of duty, sacrificing his life to save a pedestrian while manning traffic at a pedestrian crossing along A. Bonifacio Avenue,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte in a statement Thursday.
CCTV footage showed that Antolin was crushed to death by a cargo truck driven by Joel Dimacali after pushing a cyclist – who was supposed to be hit – to the pavement.
“[T]he driver failed to follow Antolin’s hand signals. Antolin quickly reacted by pushing the pedestrian out of harm’s way, but unfortunately was himself hit and run over by the trailer truck,” said Belmonte.
Following the accident, Antolin was rushed to Manila Central University Hospital and was later declared dead, while the truck driver will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
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Traffic enforcer dies after saving cyclist
The city government extended its condolences to the traffic enforcer’s bereaved family and promised to extend due assistance.
Article continues after this advertisementIt also vowed to bring the truck driver or anyone responsible for Antolin’s death to justice.
“The supreme sacrifice and heroism of Antolin serve as an inspiration to everyone in the Quezon City government. We thank him and his family for his service to the people of Quezon City,” the mayor wrote.
She also assured commuters and locals of the city that the local government “pursue all efforts to ensure the safety of the pedestrians in the area.”
