MANILA, Philippines — Following a fatal road rage incident along the EDSA-Ayala tunnel last week, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday urged motorists not to resort to violence during traffic altercations to avoid physical injuries and deaths.
Remulla made the appeal after the Makati prosecutor’s office found probable cause to indict Gerrard Raymund Yu for murder.
“We have an airtight case against him, based on evidence and witnesses’ accounts. Ensure that justice will be served,” Remulla said.
No bail was recommended for Yu’s temporary liberty.
Yu is facing complaints for murder and violation of the firearms law for killing 65-year-old Ancieto Mateo, a family driver.
“There is no reason or cause to disregard one’s life because of road rage,” Remulla said.
“It is best to always remember, each time we are behind the wheel, that life is more precious than our egos,” he added.
According to the prosecutor’s resolution, there was treachery on Yu’s part when he fired shots at a Toyota Innova multi-purpose vehicle being driven by Mateo.
Yu also tested positive for gunpowder nitrates, which proved that he used a firearm.
The bullet casing recovered at the scene of the shooting also matched one of the two guns recovered from Yu.
His wife surrendered the firearms to police.
Remulla instructed prosecutors to prosecute Yu to the fullest extent of the law.
Yu has denied involvement in the shooting.
Mateo’s son, Mark Anthony, will represent his father throughout the duration of the case, according to the Department of Justice.