PNP backs harsher road rage penalties

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed support for a proposal for stiffer penalties for people involved in road rage incidents.

Enacting a law that will impose severe sanctions will deter hot-headed motorists from hurting other vehicle users, according to PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo.

“Enacting laws, particularly addressing road rage, will be supported by your national police,” Fajardo told reporters in Filipino last Friday.

Sen. JV Ejercito said enacting a law against road rage may be a deterrent for such type of abuse.

The police have so far documented several road rage cases, the latest of which involved dismissed policeman
Wilfredo Gonzales, who threatened a cyclist with a handgun during a traffic altercation in Quezon City last Aug. 8.

A similar incident occurred in Valenzuela City last Aug. 19, where a Toyota Fortuner driver wielded a handgun when he approached a taxi driver.

The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office has revoked the firearms license of the unnamed motorist.

The motorist must surrender his firearm, a .9 mm caliber handgun, to the police.

If he refuses to comply, Fajardo said the driver could face charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive

Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

“We don’t want these road rage incidents to increase,” Fajardo said.