NCRPO: Ex-cop in road rage should have been arrested

MANILA, Philippines —  The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is investigating the alleged lapses committed by Quezon City policemen in handling the road rage incident involving a dismissed gun-wielding colleague and a cyclist, an official said yesterday.

NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the gun-toting Wilfredo Gonzales, who physically and verbally attacked the cyclist, should have been arrested instead of being allowed to settle the case.

“If only the police station had investigated it properly, Gonzales should have been apprehended for brandishing a gun at an unarmed civilian during a traffic altercation. That alone is a clear violation of the law,” Nartatez said.

He said the Quezon City Police District should have checked the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that would have shown that Gonzales had threatened the cyclist with a gun. Instead, the QCPD acted on the case only after the video became viral.

Nartatez said police personnel were able to see the CCTV footage days after the incident.

In the video, Gonzales was seen pulling out a gun during an altercation with the cyclist.

“What was worse is they held a press conference that made it appear everything turned out well, that there was a settlement in the absence of a complainant,” Nartatez said.

He was referring to the press conference arranged by QCPD director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Aug. 27 wherein Gonzales had claimed he and the cyclist had “talked, made amends and agreed to forget about the incident.”

Torre resigned from his post after drawing flak from the public and several officials.

Nartatez said the Philippine National Police has been trying to convince the cyclist to come out and file a case against Gonzales.

According to lawyer Raymond Fortun, the cyclist has opted not to file a complaint against the former policeman for fear of his safety.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte had assured the cyclist that the local government would extend legal assistance and protection to him and his family.

So far, Gonzales is facing charges of alarm and scandal.

The Quezon City government, through the People’s Law Enforcement Board, has invited Galas police station personnel to discuss the supposed settlement between Gonzales and the cyclist.

“The city government is committed to building a peaceful community where violence is not condoned. Public safety is our primordial concern. We will explore all avenues to hold Gonzales accountable for his brazen actions,” Belmonte said. – Janvic Mateo, Romina Cabrera, Emmanuel Tupas