QCPD chief resigns over gun-toting issue  

MANILA, Philippines —  Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III yesterday resigned from his post amid criticisms of giving special treatment to dismissed policeman Wilfredo Gonzales.

The gun-toting Gonzales physically and verbally attacked a cyclist in a road rage incident in Quezon City on Aug. 8.

In an Aug. 27 press conference arranged by the QCPD, Gonzales claimed he and the cyclist “talked, made amends and agreed to forget about the incident.”

A video of the incident was circulated on social media. The cyclist has refused to file a case after receiving threats from police officials and was forced to sign a statement that he was at fault in the incident, according to lawyer Raymond Fortun.

Torre submitted his resignation letter yesterday morning to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. and National Capital Region Police Office director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

“I really regret that deeply, I really apologize to the Filipino people for those actions,” Torre said.

Acorda on Tuesday ordered a probe on the press conference.

The Supreme Court confirmed yesterday that Gonzales worked for Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario, but his employment was terminated on Aug. 27 upon discovery of the incident.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla denied rumors that Gonzales worked for the Department of Justice.

The Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) has started its investigation into the Aug. 8 road rage incident.

“What is not clear to us is what happened in Galas Police Station on Aug. 8. That is why we invited these two people (Barila and Jorta) who were there,” PLEB executive director Rafael Calinisan said, referring to Lt. Col. Jake Barila and Chief MSgt. Jonar Jorta of QCPD Station 11.

On the same day of the incident, Gonzales went to the Galas Police Station where he claimed he had reached a settlement with the cyclist.

Jorta was the chief investigator of the case following Mayor Joy Belmonte’s directive as she questioned the quick settlement.

Belmonte earlier assured the cyclist that the city government would extend legal assistance and protection for him and his family.

“This culture of impunity is not acceptable in QC and I have a duty and responsibility to maintain peace and order in our city,” she said.

Belmonte said yesterday she respects Torre’s decision to resign.

Party-list Reps. Bonifacio Bosita and Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez of 1Rider have filed a House resolution directing the committees of justice and public order and safety to investigate road rage incidents involving motorcycle riders and cyclists.

“The audacity of these individuals to exert intimidation using firearms stems from a culture of impunity that shall not be condoned,” they said.

“The actions exhibited by the prosecutor and dismissed police officer are not isolated incidents, as there are other individuals in government who abuse their authority and privilege of owning and carrying firearms in public,” they added, referring to the Aug. 8 road rage incident and another incident involving a prosecutor in June.

Rep. Fidel Nograles called for a “recalibration” of the PNP’s policy.

“We cannot allow a ‘shoot first policy’ among our policemen in their operations. We could have saved the life of John Frances Ompad if only the police operatives did not adopt this kind of violent attitude as a way of automatic or first response,” he said, referring to a 15-year-old shot in the town of Montalban due to mistaken identity.

Nograles expressed hope that the Commission on Human Rights’ investigation will be productive and result in full accountability for the alleged perpetrators.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sen. Pia Cayetano jointly filed a resolution to investigate Gonzales.

“This is a serious case involving public order and safety, which cannot simply be settled amicably and swept under the rug,” the resolution stated.

Another incident

In Makati City, another gun-toting cop subdued a motorcycle rider. But this time, the rider is reportedly a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In a video circulating on social media, P/SSgt. Marsan Dolipas grappled with Angelito Rencio, who claimed he was a member of the AFP’s Intelligence Service.

Both were reportedly in possession of a handgun. Rencio allegedly tried to reach for his gun after being confronted for cutting lanes, prompting Dolipas to pin him down on the ground.

“The rider, instead of being calm, pulled off his middle finger and threw expletives. It also seemed he was about to pull out a gun, which prompted the cop to subdue him,” Pasay City police chief Col. Froilan Uy told The STAR, citing Dolipas’ account of the incident.

Dolipas called for backup from Makati police and they were brought to the Makati City Police Station Substation 3.

Rencio surrendered his firearm but requested to go home to fetch his firearm documents. The Makati police allowed him to leave, and he has not returned.

The desk officer and the substation commander have been relieved from their post after releasing Rencio from their custody, according to the Southern Police District.

“Based on our research, we found that Rencio has a pending case where he likes to introduce himself as a soldier,” Uy said, noting that Rencio is facing charges for usurpation of authority for wearing the uniform of an Army major.

Acorda ordered an investigation into Rencio’s release yesterday. – Janvic Mateo, Delon Porcalla, Daphne Galvez, Emmanuel Tupas