JV Ejercito: Ex-cop in gun-toting incident in QC should face charges for grave threats despite settlement with cyclist
August 28, 2023
JV Ejercito: Ex-cop in gun-toting incident in
QC should face charges for grave threats despite settlement with cyclist
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday
said the retired policeman involved in a viral road rage incident in Quezon
City should still be charged for grave threats, even in light of a settlement
between the cyclist.
“What happened between the ex-policeman and
the cyclist’s settlement is between them. But what is unforgivable is drawing a
gun against a helpless, unarmed cyclist,” Ejercito emphasized.
“The ex-cop should still be charged for grave
threats, but unfortunately, the cyclist seems to have been intimidated,” he
added.
The viral video showed an individual,
identified as Wilfredo Gonzales, slapping and subsequently brandishing his
firearm. He proceeded to load the weapon and pointed it towards an unarmed
cyclist near Welcome Rotonda on Aug. 8.
As a cyclist himself, Ejercito believes that
the Land Transportation Office should revoke the driver's license of the former
police officer.
He also urged the Philippine National Police
to cancel not only the motorist’s License To Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF)
but also his Permit To Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR).
The lawmaker from San Juan added that if
Gonzales is still connected with the government, the former police officer
should be charged administratively for conduct unbecoming.
“As a cyclist, I will not let this pass. Hindi
dapat makalusot ang mga sigang pulis! Hindi na ‘yan uso! Dapat makasuhan din
ito sa korte at ipakulong nang hindi na ito tularan! Hindi ka dapat
palagpasin!” he said.
During a press conference at Camp Karingal
held yesterday, Aug. 27, Gonzales said he had already patched things up with
the cyclist through a signed agreement.
“The sad part is that instead of being
remorseful and sorry, Mr. Gonzales seemed arrogant in his press conference,”
Ejercito pointed out.
Lawyer Raymond Fortun, who first shared the
video on social media, said that the cyclist will no longer file a complaint,
fearing for his life and his family.
