Mc Richard Paglicawan
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has vowed to protect and provide legal assistance to the cyclist allegedly coerced by a former police officer into settling a road rage incident involving a firearm.
Belmonte urged the victim to come forward, assuring them of legal support and safety for themselves and their family to ensure justice is served. She firmly stated her opposition to any attempts to downplay the incident and emphasized the city’s commitment to maintaining peace and order.
The incident, captured in a viral video dated August 8, depicts the cyclist traveling on Quezon Avenue near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City when Willy Gonzales’s vehicle abruptly blocked the bike lane, resulting in a collision between the cyclist and the car.
According to Raymond Fortun, a lawyer and cycling advocate who communicated with the victim, the cyclist claimed to have been pressured into admitting fault and paying P500 to Gonzales. The cyclist cited exhaustion and hunger as factors contributing to their agreement, especially since they were alone at the police station.
Despite the incident, the cyclist expressed concerns about pressing charges due to fear for their safety and their family’s well-being.
Fortun announced his intention to file two complaints against Gonzales. The first would be lodged with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to seek the revocation of Gonzales’s driver’s license. The second complaint would be submitted to the Firearms and License Office of the Philippine National Police, requesting the revocation of any firearm licenses issued to Gonzales and his family. Fortun also plans to provide a copy of the video to legislative leaders, proposing a congressional investigation aimed at preventing similar incidents and enhancing overall citizen safety.
Quezon City authorities are contemplating various charges against Gonzales if the cyclist decides to step forward. These include grave threat, slander by deed, reckless imprudence, physical injuries, and violations of firearm ownership and possession laws. The city underscored its local ordinance penalizing motorists who obstruct bike lanes or walkways.
In response to the incident, the city government is actively working on improving safety measures for bike lanes and deploying additional bike patrols to safeguard cyclists and uphold road safety. The Land Transportation Office has issued a show cause order against Gonzales, ensuring prompt action through a comprehensive investigation.
