Abalos wants charges filed vs ex-cop

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges should immediately be filed against a former policeman who assaulted and drew a pistol on a cyclist, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said yesterday.

In an interview with The STAR, Abalos said the National Police Commission (Napolcom), which he chairs, is “monitoring what is happening closely” following an allegation by lawyer Raymond Fortun that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is coddling retired policeman Wilfredo Gonzales, who was seen in a viral video striking the cyclist on the head and drawing a gun on the cyclist during a road altercation near Welcome Rotonda on Aug. 8.

“I really feel that criminal charges should be filed immediately” against Gonzales, Abalos said.

He added that he is not satisfied with the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office’s revocation of Gonzales’ license to own and possess firearms, firearm registration and permit to carry outside residence.

Abalos said the Napolcom is also monitoring police personnel responsible for filing the criminal cases against Gonzales.

Protection?

In a separate radio interview, Fortun – a cyclist himself – accused the PNP of protecting Gonzales.

He said that as of Sunday night, “because of the threat from the PNP, including from (Quezon City Police District director) Gen. (Nicolas) Torre (III), the family decided not to file a criminal case.”

Fortun added that Torre allegedly asked the cyclist not to pursue the charges against Gonzales.

“I have the text of General Torre telling the cyclist not to interfere,” he said.

According to Fortun, aside from Torre, a police major also called the cyclist on Gonzales’ behalf.

Under duress

Fortun added that the supposed amicable settlement between Gonzales and the cyclist is null and void.

“If you are forced to sign an agreement under duress, it is null and void as you have no complete freedom while signing the document,” he said.

Fortun alleged that right after the incident on Aug. 8, Gonzales brought the cyclist to the La Loma police station, where the former policeman was previously assigned, and forced the cyclist to pay P500 for the damage to his car.

“Since (the cyclist) had only P800, he even pleaded to allow him to pay P500 since he was shaking from hunger,” he said.

According to Fortun, police reportedly forced the vlogger who uploaded the video on social media to take it down after it went viral.

“The real witness here is the person who shot the video. The problem is he was also threatened by police. I also have the text that the police threatened the vlogger, saying ‘I know the color of your vehicle and I know, it was you who posted the video,’ ” he said.

Fortun said that he will submit a copy of the video to the Senate and the House of Representatives for possible investigation.

Meanwhile, Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, another cyclist, said the Land Transportation Office should revoke Gonzales’ driver’s license.

“The ex-cop should still be charged with grave threats, but unfortunately the cyclist seems to have been intimidated,” Ejercito said.