Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on Monday said that criminal cases should be filed against the retired policeman who was caught on video pulling out a gun and cocking it in front of a cyclist during an altercation in Quezon City.
“For the sake of a peaceful and orderly society, we cannot allow a culture of impunity. We cannot allow bullies to just go around intimidating people with deadly weapons. There must be consequences here,” said Abalos in a statement.
Abalos’ pronouncement was in reference to an incident near Welcome Rotonda on August 8, where a retired policeman pulled out and cocked a handgun at the height of an altercation with the cyclist.
The former police officer was identified as Wilfredo “Willy” Gonzales.
According to Abalos, even if Gonzales has already reached a settlement with the victim, criminal cases may still be filed even if the victim refuses to make a complaint.
“Even if the victim won’t testify, criminal cases can still be filed if another witness comes forward. For example, the person that took the viral video, or other bystanders during the incident, can establish that they were at the scene, and identify the perpetrator and the acts that he committed. At the very least, a case for alarm and scandal could be filed,” explained Abalos.
Meanwhile, Abalos who chairs the National Police Commission (Napolcom), vowed that Napolcom will monitor the PNP’s response to the incident.
“In case of any inaction by the PNP’s handling officers, the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service would investigate. Napolcom may step in, if warranted. In any case, rest assured that Napolcom will do its utmost to pursue the cause of justice,” assured Abalos.
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