MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino Saturday hinted at reviving his proposal of arming the agency’s traffic enforcers after one of them was beaten up by a group engaged illegal drag racing on Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard.

“There are a lot of drivers who have no respect for authority. What happened here is unfortunate,” said Tolentino, who cited this as one reason why he wants to arm traffic enforcers.

The victim, identified as Raul Reoteres, reportedly suffered head and back injuries after he was mauled by some 30 motorcycle riders.

“He has been discharged from San Juan de Dios Hospital and is currently recuperating,” Tolentino said of the victim who is part of the agency’s motorcycle unit.

Apparently, MMDA traffic enforcers engaged these drag racers in a virtual “cat and mouse” game along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard on a nightly basis.

“We made a pass-by to reprimand them (drag racers). They left but came back after three minutes. It’s like they were waiting there to mob us,” said Jovit Reintegrado, Perez’s motorcycle unit partner.

The assailants escaped before other MMDA personnel arrived in the area. No arrests were made.