Motorists getting into heated arguments isn’t anything new. But when deadly threats and firearms get involved, that’s something else. Recently, a road rage incident involving an ex-cop went viral. Here’s what went down:

Road rage

On August 8, 2023, a road rage incident involving a cyclist and a car driver was caught on video and went viral on social media. In the clip, the car motorist, who was identified as ex-police officer Wilfredo Gonzales, was seen yelling at the cyclist, hitting him before he brandished a handgun against the cyclist, who had bumped into his vehicle.

The Philippine National Police Civil Security Group (CSG) said that the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) has issued an order voiding Gonzales’ License to Own and Possess Firearms, Firearm Registration, and Permit To Carry Firearms Outside Residence.

Gonzales speaks out

In a press conference, the ex-cop revealed that he and the cyclist had already settled everything at the police station. Gonzales expressed his regret over the incident and clarified that he voluntarily surrendered his firearm.

“Sa oras na iyon, napagtanto ko na isang kamalian na inilabas ko at ikinasa ko ang baril kahit na ito ay hindi ko naman itinutok sa kanya. Dahil dito, boluntaryo kong iniwan ang baril sa police station upang malinaw kong mapag-isipan kung gusto ko pang mag-ari ng baril sa hinaharap o hindi na,” he said.

The former police officer also called on social media users to be more responsible, especially those who don’t know the whole story.

“Marami kaagad magco-comment, nakita nagkasa, hindi naman nila nakita eh ‘yung tunay pangyayari,” Gonzales added.

More revelations come out

Atty. Raymond Fortun called for justice in a Facebook post that now has over 30K shares and 2K comments. He shared that the cyclist, referred to as AB, was forcefully taken to the police station, where he signed an agreement admitting it was his fault.

“Di lang yon — pinagbayad pa sya ng ₱500 dahil nagasgasan nya ang sasakyan ng ex-pulis,” the post reads.

Fortun said that AB was concerned for the safety of his family. He also revealed that the person who uploaded the video received threats.

“There can be no criminal case without the cooperation of the victim. But that does not mean that we, the public, are left helpless.”

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo stated on ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo Serbisyo that Gonzales was dismissed from service in 2018 because of grave misconduct. According to a report by The Daily Tribune, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Gonzales, along with ten others and his station commander, for discharging two Chinese nationals in exchange for over PHP600,000.

The internet is appalled

With all the information now out in the open, netizens voiced their dismay to the police and Gonzales.

“Wilfredo Gonzales don’t even have to get out of his car and he didn’t have to get violent, but he did. And now, he’s playing the victim,” one netizen wrote.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte denounces the incident

The Quezon City government published a press release where Mayor Joy Belmonte condemned Gonzales’ action and called him a “menace to society.” She urged the cyclist to come forward to file a complaint, promising that the local government would extend legal assistance to him and his family. 

“Maaaring natatakot ang biktima na humarap dahil ang nakatapat niya ay taga-gobyerno. Nais nating bigyang-diin na walang puwang ang karahasan sa ating lungsod,” she said.

Mayor Belmonte also underscored that Quezon City will strengthen the safety of its bike lanes and deploy more bike patrols to protect cyclists and maintain safer roads.

What are your thoughts on this?