A Irishman stopped for traffic violations in Manila has been accused of assaulting police officers who were called to the incident.
Jaime Andrew Dovine, aged 30, was allegedly seen traversing a one-way street along Rizal Avenue at about 10am on Saturday (June 16).
Despite being flagged down by traffic enforcers from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, Dovine allegedly attempted to flee the scene in his Mitsubishi Lancer.
However, the call centre worker, who lives in Mandaluyong City, was followed by police officers who apprehended him at a checkpoint on the corner of Soler and T Alonzo streets.
When confronted, police say Dovine began to swear at the officers, which led to his arrest. Police reports suggest he may have been intoxicated, but this has not yet been confirmed.
Speaking to tempo.com, Dovine denied the accusation. He said: “I was held for two and a half hours on the roadside. There was about 20 of them. I swore a lot but how would I threaten them if there were 20 of them and one of me?”
Dovine was taken to Manila Police District Headquarters and charged for violation of Article 4136, or driving without licence, and Article 151, or resistance and disobedience.
According to police case investigator Anthony Rivera, Dovine has refused to seek help from the Irish Embassy in Manila, saying he wanted to fight the case by himself. Despite this, officers have been in touch with embassy staff regarding his arrest.