Trader pokes gun at lawmaker's bodyguard

A businessman was charged with attempted murder and usurpation of authority for allegedly poking a gun at a congressman’s bodyguard and for passing himself as a National Bureau of Investigation agent during a traffic altercation Friday in Valenzuela City.

Chief Inspector Florido Romero Jr., Valenzuela City police Station Investigation Branch chief, identified the suspect as Ruben Reyes, 60, a resident of Barangay Karuhatan, also in Valenzuela.

“When apprehended, the suspect claimed to be an NBI agent and presented to the police old credentials,” Romero told The STAR.

The police seized from Reyes a loaded .45 caliber pistol with license and permit to carry, a black wallet containing an NBI badge and an expired identification card.  

Reyes was charged with attempted murder and usurpation of authority before the office of Valenzuela City prosecutor Eriberto Anicheta. The suspect was still detained yesterday at the local police detention cell.

Police Officer 3 Richard Bautista said the suspect sideswiped Alex Andrada, bodyguard of Valenzuela Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo Jr., at around 10:30 a.m. while the victim was assisting traffic on MacArthur Highway in Barangay Marulas.

“The congressman’s car was maneuvering backward toward MacArthur Highway from his district office with Andrada assisting the traffic,” Bautista said.

Gunigundo had just alighted from his official vehicle, a Hyundai Starex with a No. 8 license plate, but his child was still inside, Bautista said.

Andrada signaled approaching vehicles to give way to the backing car. Others heeded but a white Tamaraw FX (WCX-538) continued to advance and knocked off Andrada.

The FX’s driver, instead of making an apology, shouted invectives at Andrada, pulled his .45 caliber pistol and threatened to shoot Gunigundo’s bodyguard. He also claimed to be an NBI agent, Bautista said.

The arrival of the a police patrol, led by SPO1 Joelester Valdez, averted more trouble.

Reyes tried to avoid arrest by showing the police his NBI badge and ID with the signature of a certain Anthony Leongson, deputy director for technical services.

“They were expired documents with validity period dated March 13, 2007 only,” Bautista said.