Abalos urges raps vs. gun-toting motorist in viral video

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Monday that the driver who pulled out a gun at a cyclist should be slapped with criminal charges.

In a statement, Abalos said the culture of impunity should not be allowed in the country.

"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.

Abalos said that even if the driver, identified as Wilfredo Gonzales, had already settled with the cyclist, criminal cases could still be filed against him.

This is also the case if the victim refuses to file a complaint against the driver, and a witness is willing to come forward to provide details on the incident.

"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," Abalos explained.

Over the weekend, video footage where Gonzales was seen cursing at, hurting, and pulling out a gun at a cyclist went viral. Gonzales, a retired cop, surrendered to the authorities on Sunday afternoon.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III earlier said Gonzales had surrendered his gun and car and these were taken into custody by the authorities.

Philippine National Police chief information officer Police Brigadier General Red Maranan said that Gonzales' license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) and the permit to carry firearms outside of residence were already revoked.

Gonzales, for his part, said he and the cyclist had settled the matter, adding that he was the one who brought the matter to the police.

Meanwhile, the DILG chief said the National Police Commission would monitor the PNP’s response to this 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," Abalos said. —NB, GMA Integrated News