PNP eyeing more criminal raps vs. ex-cop in viral road rage video

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it is planning to file more criminal charges, including a complaint for grave threat against the ex-cop who pulled out a gun during an altercation with a cyclist.

In a televised public briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said authorities are just waiting for the cyclist to execute a complaint in connection with the incident.

“Yung inaantay lang po natin, sa natulong na rin po ng kanyang abogado, na mag-execute po ng complaint itong biktima para makasuhan din po natin siya ng additional case ng grave threat and other appropriate criminal offenses,” she said.

(We are just waiting for the victim, with the help of his lawyer, to execute a complaint  so we can file additional charges of grave threat and other appropriate criminal offenses against the ex-cop.)

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) filed a complaint against the ex-cop identified as Wilfredo Gonzales for alarm and scandal before the Office of the Prosecutor in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Lawyer Raymond Fortun told reporters on Tuesday that the cyclist decided not to file a case against Gonzales.

“Sinabi niya sa akin na buo pa din yung loob ng pamilya nila hindi ituloy yung pagsampa ng kaso (He told me that his family already decided not to file a case against Gonzales),” he said.

Fortun expressed hope that more government officials would show support for the cyclist.

According to the QCPD, the altercation between Gonzales and the cyclist happened on August 8 but the viral video of the incident surfaced on social media on August 27.

In a press briefing on Sunday, Gonzales said he and the cyclist went to a police station following the incident and settled their differences.

Fortun, however, said that the cyclist was forced into an agreement admitting that the incident was his fault and was told to pay P500 for the damage to Gonzales’ car.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday ordered an investigation on how the QCPD handled the case.

"We are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzalez, whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable,” Belmonte said in a statement.

“We want to assure the cyclist that we will extend legal assistance, as well as put him and his family in our protection so that justice is served. I will not allow this case to be whitewashed,” she added.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday said Gonzales should be slapped with criminal charges.

"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  

The PNP has already revoked Gonzales' permit to carry firearms outside of residence while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a 90-day preventive suspension for his driver's license.  —VAL, GMA Integrated News