Ex-cop, cyclist figure in latest ‘road rage incident’

In case you missed it, a video over social media went viral after a car driver was caught on video taking out a gun after having an altercation with a cyclist near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City.

Reports identified the driver of the Kia Rio in the video as a certain Willy Gonzales — allegedly a retired policeman. Gonzales and the cyclist apparently had reached a settlement.

Abalos say suspect could still be held accountable amid settlement

However, Department Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said that criminal cases could be filed against Gonzales amid the resolution, explaining that in certain instances, it can still be done even if the victim refuses to make a complaint.

“For the sake of a peaceful and orderly society, we cannot allow a culture of impunity. We cannot allow bullies to just go around intimidating people with deadly weapons. There must be consequences here,” Abalos said.

“Even if the victim won’t testify, criminal cases can still be filed if another witness comes forward. For example, the person that took the viral video, or other bystanders during the incident, can establish that they were at the scene, and identify the perpetrator and the acts that he committed. At the very least, a case for alarm and scandal could be filed,” the DILG secretary — a lawyer by profession — added.

Further, Abalos, who is also the National Police Commission (Napolcom) chairman, which supervises the PNP, said that he will monitor the PNP’s response to the incident.

“In case of any inaction by the PNP’s handling officers, the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service would investigate. The Napolcom may step in, if warranted. In any case, rest assured that the Napolcom will do its utmost to pursue the cause of justice.”

LTO says vehicle in viral video not under suspect’s name

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said that the vehicle that Gonzales was driving when the video was taken was not under the suspect’s name.

Based on the report submitted by LTO-National Capital Region Director Roque Verzosa, LTO Chief Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said that the agency will summon the registered owner of the red Kia Rio involved in the incident.

“Since the driver involved had already surrendered to the police, our records revealed that the person who appeared in a press briefing at Camp Karingal is not the registered owner of the vehicle,” Mendoza noted.

“Kaya tuloy ang Show Cause Order upang mabigyan tayo ng paliwanag ng registered owner kung bakit iba ang nagmamaneho ng sasakyan niya. Gusto nating malinawan kung naibenta na ba niya ito, ipinahiram lang o kung ano pang circumstances kung bakit iba ang nagmamaneho nang mangyari ang viral na insidenteng ito (That's why the show cause order continues so that the registered owner can give us an explanation as to why someone else is driving his car. We want to clarify if he has sold it, just lent it or what other circumstances why someone else was driving when this viral incident happened),” he added.

Mendoza explained that the driver of the vehicle involving the viral video might be facing two violations under Republic Act 4136 (also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code): Section 20 (Improper Person to Operate a Vehicle) and Section 48 (Reckless Driving).

The LTO chief said that the registered owner of the vehicle is ordered to submit a notarized affidavit explaining why he should not receive any charges pertaining to the incident.

Additionally, Mendoza said that should the vehicle owner fail to file his reply to the order, it will be treated as a waiver for the agency to decide on the matter based on available evidence.

“Pending the resolution of this case, I have already approved the recommendation to place this Kia Rio with license plate ULQ 802 to be placed under alarm effective immediately,” Mendoza said.

Moreover, Mendoza said that the suspect should still expect to be summoned from the LTO as to why his privilege on owning a driver’s license should not be revoked.

“Inasahan naming ang kanyang partisipasyon sa imbestigasyon na gagawin ng LTO at makakaasa din ang taumbayan ng mabilis at patas na pagdinig sa kaso (We expect his participation in the investigation that will be done by the LTO and the people can also expect a quick and fair hearing in the case),” the LTO chief ended.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Benhur Abalos Facebook page, and Land Transportation Office Facebook page

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