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Advocates Philippines
Gun Wielding Driver In Road Rage Justifies Actions In Viral Video By Blaming Vloggers And Netizens
Screengrab from Viral Video
The car driver who was captured on video brandishing a gun at a cyclist during a road rage altercation was given a platform by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to air his side and allow him to explain what happened.
The incident, which gained widespread attention after the video went viral, prompted the driver, Wilfredo Gonzales, to hold a press conference in cooperation with the Quezon City police district.
During the press conference, Gonzales stated, "After the confrontation seen in the viral video, the cyclist and I went to the police station where we talked, forgave each other, and agreed to forget about the incident."
QCPD Chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III added, "At the moment, the primary case against Mr. Gonzales is administrative in nature. The Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) will likely investigate his License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF). Whether his LTOPF will be revoked or canceled will be determined by the FEO."
Gonzales has left his firearm at the police station, and it is currently in custody. "We are considering whether he will surrender the firearm to the government or retain it," he further added. The FEO has not yet initiated an investigation into the matter.
Chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III expressed that the parties involved had already come to an understanding, and the recent viral video was released without realizing the resolution of the case. "At present, no one is filing a complaint; we don't have a case to pursue," he noted.
Despite attempts to contact the cyclist, he has not responded to Chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III's calls and messages.
Gonzales, in his message during the press conference, urged social media vloggers to be responsible in sharing information. He emphasized that not all aspects of the incident were accurately portrayed in the viral video.
Prominent lawyer Atty. Raymond Fortun shared his sentiment, asserting that anyone has the right to file a complaint. Gonzales echoed that sentiment, saying, "I have no issue with anyone filing a complaint. This is a free country."
Gonzales also expressed his concern for his family and the potential impact of the incident on them. He appealed for responsible behavior from vloggers and urged them to refrain from sharing misleading or incomplete information.
The incident gained public attention after a video surfaced showing Gonzales allegedly assaulting a cyclist and brandishing a gun. The video, posted by the cycling community, requested assistance in identifying the driver and sharing the details of the incident.
The Quezon City government condemned the incident and assured its commitment to a thorough investigation. Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered the Quezon City Police District and the QC Law and Order Cluster to investigate the matter. The city government also pledged to provide safe bike lanes for cyclists and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for violence in the city.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about road safety, responsible sharing of information, and the appropriate use of force in such altercations. The case remains under investigation by the authorities.
The incident, which gained widespread attention after the video went viral, prompted the driver, Wilfredo Gonzales, to hold a press conference in cooperation with the Quezon City police district.
During the press conference, Gonzales stated, "After the confrontation seen in the viral video, the cyclist and I went to the police station where we talked, forgave each other, and agreed to forget about the incident."
QCPD Chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III added, "At the moment, the primary case against Mr. Gonzales is administrative in nature. The Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) will likely investigate his License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF). Whether his LTOPF will be revoked or canceled will be determined by the FEO."
Gonzales has left his firearm at the police station, and it is currently in custody. "We are considering whether he will surrender the firearm to the government or retain it," he further added. The FEO has not yet initiated an investigation into the matter.
Chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III expressed that the parties involved had already come to an understanding, and the recent viral video was released without realizing the resolution of the case. "At present, no one is filing a complaint; we don't have a case to pursue," he noted.
Despite attempts to contact the cyclist, he has not responded to Chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III's calls and messages.
Gonzales, in his message during the press conference, urged social media vloggers to be responsible in sharing information. He emphasized that not all aspects of the incident were accurately portrayed in the viral video.
Prominent lawyer Atty. Raymond Fortun shared his sentiment, asserting that anyone has the right to file a complaint. Gonzales echoed that sentiment, saying, "I have no issue with anyone filing a complaint. This is a free country."
Gonzales also expressed his concern for his family and the potential impact of the incident on them. He appealed for responsible behavior from vloggers and urged them to refrain from sharing misleading or incomplete information.
The incident gained public attention after a video surfaced showing Gonzales allegedly assaulting a cyclist and brandishing a gun. The video, posted by the cycling community, requested assistance in identifying the driver and sharing the details of the incident.
The Quezon City government condemned the incident and assured its commitment to a thorough investigation. Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered the Quezon City Police District and the QC Law and Order Cluster to investigate the matter. The city government also pledged to provide safe bike lanes for cyclists and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for violence in the city.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about road safety, responsible sharing of information, and the appropriate use of force in such altercations. The case remains under investigation by the authorities.
Aug 28, 2023
