Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte urged the cyclist involved in the gun-toting incident by an ex-policeman to come out and coordinate with the city government in filing necessary cases.
Mayor Belmonte issued the call amid the claim of the ex-policeman that the issue had been settled.
At the same time, Belmonte ordered the QC People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) to investigate how the Quezon City Police District handled the case, as she expressed dismay on why the Galas Police Station (PS-11) allowed the incident to quickly end in an amicable settlement.
“We are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzalez, whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable. 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. 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.
On Sunday, QCPD conducted a press conference with the driver of the vehicle who identified himself as Wilfredo “Willy” Gonzales following a video that went viral on social media where he was seen pointing a gun at an unarmed biker during a road altercation.
“This culture of impunity is not acceptable in QC and I have a duty and responsibility 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 added.
Should the biker come forward, the city is looking into filing possible complaints such as: Grave Threat, Slander by Deed, Reckless Imprudence, Physical Injuries, Violations of RA 10591 or absence of a License to Own and Possess a Firearm; absence of Permit to Carry.
The city government stressed that City Ordinance SP-2988 S-2020 or the Ordinance promoting Safe Cycling and Active Transport penalizes motorists obstructing cycling lanes or walking paths.
Furthermore, Section 8.2.2 of City Ordinance SP-2636 S-2017 or QC Road Safety Code states that, “no driver shall permit his/her vehicle to block any portion of the bicycle lane. At no time shall any vehicle use, straddle, or obstruct the designated bike lane.”
The mayor emphasized that the city government will further strengthen the safety of bike lanes and deploy more bike patrols to protect the cyclists and maintain safer roads.
“We would like to eassure the cycling community and all our citizens for that matter that the city is willing to exhaust all means to demonstrate to them that we will act in their interest and in the pursuit of justice,” she said.
She also thanked the Philippine National Police, particularly the Firearms and Explosives Office, for revoking the License To Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF), Firearm Registration (FR) and Permit To Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) of Gonzales.
“He is not only an irresponsible gun owner with anger management issues, but a danger to our people,” Belmonte said.
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