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Advocates Philippines
Lawyer Raymond Fortun Files Case Against QCPD Traffic Personnel Over Viral Gun-Toting Incident
Screengrab from Atty. Raymond Fortun
Lawyer Raymond Fortun, acting as a concerned citizen, has taken legal action against members of the Quezon City Police Department (QCPD) Traffic Sector 4 of Kamuning in connection with a widely publicized gun-toting incident that occurred on August 8 2023.
Fortun has lodged a formal complaint with the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) against Police Staff Sergeants Darwin Peralta and Joel Aviso, as well as Police Executive Master Sergeant Armando Carr, all of whom serve in the QCPD Traffic Sector 4 of Kamuning. The charges filed include Oppression, Irregularities in the Performance of Duties, and Incompetence, as stipulated under Rule 21 of the NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular 2016 – 002.
The incident in question initially led to the apprehension of cyclist and former policeman Wilfredo Gonzales, who was first brought to the QCPD Kamuning Police Station 11, where it was initially treated as a routine traffic matter by the initial responders from QCPD Galas Police Station. Later in the evening, the case was redirected to the Galas Police Station, and ultimately, no charges were filed.
Attorney Fortun, in his role as a concerned citizen, argues that the police officers involved failed to safeguard the rights of the cyclist by neglecting to provide him with legal counsel to ensure he was informed of his rights. Furthermore, they allegedly failed to secure CCTV footage from the area, a crucial step in determining the facts surrounding the conflicting statements made by the parties involved. Despite what Attorney Fortun describes as sufficient grounds, the officers did not file appropriate charges in the case.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has praised Attorney Fortun's actions, characterizing them as acts of heroism by ordinary Filipinos standing up for justice and accountability. She expressed confidence in the local system's ability to deliver justice through the proper channels, such as the PLEB.
Mayor Belmonte also used the incident as a platform to advocate for the expansion of PLEBs to other cities and municipalities, emphasizing their role in addressing complaints against erring policemen.
The PLEB Chairman and Executive Officer, Attorney Rafael Vicente Calinisan, reaffirmed the board's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community. He stated that they serve as an effective watchdog against abusive police officers while partnering with law enforcement to contribute to the nation's progress. Attorney Calinisan pledged swift action regarding Attorney Fortun's filed case.
The PLEB, established by Republic Act 6975 and amended by R.A. 8551, serves as a vital mechanism empowering ordinary citizens to hold erring policemen accountable. It possesses the authority to summarily dismiss, demote, suspend, and reprimand abusive law enforcement personnel, ensuring that justice prevails in cases of police misconduct.
Fortun has lodged a formal complaint with the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) against Police Staff Sergeants Darwin Peralta and Joel Aviso, as well as Police Executive Master Sergeant Armando Carr, all of whom serve in the QCPD Traffic Sector 4 of Kamuning. The charges filed include Oppression, Irregularities in the Performance of Duties, and Incompetence, as stipulated under Rule 21 of the NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular 2016 – 002.
The incident in question initially led to the apprehension of cyclist and former policeman Wilfredo Gonzales, who was first brought to the QCPD Kamuning Police Station 11, where it was initially treated as a routine traffic matter by the initial responders from QCPD Galas Police Station. Later in the evening, the case was redirected to the Galas Police Station, and ultimately, no charges were filed.
Attorney Fortun, in his role as a concerned citizen, argues that the police officers involved failed to safeguard the rights of the cyclist by neglecting to provide him with legal counsel to ensure he was informed of his rights. Furthermore, they allegedly failed to secure CCTV footage from the area, a crucial step in determining the facts surrounding the conflicting statements made by the parties involved. Despite what Attorney Fortun describes as sufficient grounds, the officers did not file appropriate charges in the case.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has praised Attorney Fortun's actions, characterizing them as acts of heroism by ordinary Filipinos standing up for justice and accountability. She expressed confidence in the local system's ability to deliver justice through the proper channels, such as the PLEB.
Mayor Belmonte also used the incident as a platform to advocate for the expansion of PLEBs to other cities and municipalities, emphasizing their role in addressing complaints against erring policemen.
The PLEB Chairman and Executive Officer, Attorney Rafael Vicente Calinisan, reaffirmed the board's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community. He stated that they serve as an effective watchdog against abusive police officers while partnering with law enforcement to contribute to the nation's progress. Attorney Calinisan pledged swift action regarding Attorney Fortun's filed case.
The PLEB, established by Republic Act 6975 and amended by R.A. 8551, serves as a vital mechanism empowering ordinary citizens to hold erring policemen accountable. It possesses the authority to summarily dismiss, demote, suspend, and reprimand abusive law enforcement personnel, ensuring that justice prevails in cases of police misconduct.
Sep 4, 2023
