Belmonte to PLEB: Probe handling of gun-toting case

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday directed the QC People’s Law Enforcement Board to investigate how the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) handled the case of a gun-toting former policeman who attacked a cyclist, saying she will not allow the incident to be whitewashed.

Belmonte expressed dismay that the QCPD Station 11 allowed the incident to quickly end in an amicable settlement.

She appealed to the cyclist to come forward so that former policeman Wilfredo Gonzales, “whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable.”

Gonzales was seen in a video on social media driving a red Kia Rio and cutting into the bicycle lane and in the cyclist’s path on Aug. 8. Gonzales then struck the cyclist on the head and then threatened him with a pistol.

“We want to assure the cyclist that we will extend legal assistance, as well as put him and his family in our protection, so that justice is served. I will not allow this case to be whitewashed,” Belmonte said.

The QCPD had held a press conference on Sunday with Gonzales after the video of the incident went viral on social media. QCPD director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said Gonzales, who was seated beside him during the event, had reached an amicable settlement with the cyclist on the same day the incident happened.

“This culture of impunity is not acceptable in Quezon City and I have a duty to maintain peace and order in our city and to send a strong message that acts such as those committed shall not be tolerated and that he must be held accountable,” Belmonte said.

She added that the city government would assist the cyclist, should he come forward, in filing charges of grave threat, slander by deed, reckless imprudence, physical injuries and violating Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act against Gonzales.

The Quezon City government stressed that two city ordinances – the Road Safety Code and another promoting safe cycling – penalize motorists obstructing cycling lanes or walking paths.

Belmonte said the city government would deploy more bike patrols to protect cyclists.

She also thanked the Philippine National Police (PNP) for revoking Gonzales’ gun license, registration and permits.

“He is not only an irresponsible gun owner with anger management issues, but a danger to our people,” Belmonte said.

Revoked

The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office said yesterday it had revoked Gonzales’ license to own and possess firearms, gun registration and permit to carry firearms outside his residence “as a reminder to all licensed citizens, it is of utmost importance to be responsible gun owners at all times.”

In a phone interview with reporters, PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said if someone files a complaint on the cyclist’s behalf, the PNP would entertain it.

He added that efforts have been made to contact the victim but there has been no response from the cyclist, who remains unnamed.

“If he changes his mind and decides to press charges, the QCPD will handle the case,” Maranan said in Filipino.

Gonzales, who surrendered the pistol he used in the incident, surrendered three more firearms to the QCPD, according to reports.

Maranan said the firearms are now considered loose firearms under RA 10591.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, in an interview with dzRH, confirmed that Gonzales retired from the police force in 2016.

Commenting on the issue, Fajardo said “there is no justification for violence, let alone pointing a firearm at someone.”

She noted that Gonzales is not detained in the QCPD and that he and the cyclist came to terms and signed an agreement.

LTO summons car owner

On the other hand, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza III said Gonzales is not the registered owner of the Kia Rio he was driving during the incident.

Gonzales and the registered owner of the Rio with license plate number ULQ-802 were summoned to appear before LTO investigators on Aug. 31.

Mendoza said Gonzales violated provisions of Republic Act 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, on improper person to operate a vehicle and reckless driving.

He added that the registered owner of the vehicle was directed to submit a notarized affidavit explaining why sanctions should not be imposed in connection with the incident.

Mendoza said the vehicle has been placed “under alarm effective immediately” and Gonzales should expect the LTO to have him explain why his driver’s license should not be revoked. — Bella Cariaso