PNP to file more cases vs retired cop in viral QC road rage video

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo answers questions from reporters after a media briefing held in Camp Crame, Quezon City in this file photo taken on April 25, 2023. INQUIRER.net file photo / Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing to file more cases against Wilfredo “Willie” Gonzales, a retired policeman who went viral over the weekend in a video where he was seen pointing a gun and threatening a cyclist in Quezon City.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said this following the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announcement that it has filed a complaint of alarm and scandal against Gonzales earlier Tuesday.

“Ito pong kasong alarm and scandal na isinampa ngayong araw ay ang mismong nagkaso po doon ay iyong personnel po ng PNP at sila rin po ang tumatayong complainant. Subalit hindi lamang po ito ang isasampa nating kaso,” Fajardo said in a televised public briefing.

(The alarm and scandal complaint was filed today by the police, but this is not the only case we are planning to file against Gonzales.)

“Iyong hinihintay na lang po natin sa tulong na rin po ng kaniyang abogado na mag-execute ng complaint ito kaniyang biktima para makasuhan din po natin siya ng additional case ng grave threat and other appropriate criminal offense,” she added.

(We are waiting for the victim’s lawyer to execute a complaint from his client so we can file an additional case of grave threat and appropriate criminal charges.)

According to Fajardo, Gonzales served the PNP for 20 years and was dismissed after being found guilty of grave misconduct in 2018.

READ: Ex-cop in road rage video had previous administrative, criminal cases — PNP

The PNP spokesperson likewise revealed that the they are looking into the allegations of lawyer Raymond Fortun, who claimed that the police forced the cyclist to sign an agreement settling the issue and that the police force was exonerating Gonzales.

“Nakausap natin personally si General Torre at siya mismo ay will personally get in touch with Attorney Fortun para nga po linawin itong mga lumalabas na isyu. But one thing he assured us na [walang special] treatment na mangyayari,” Fajardo explained.

(We already discussed this with Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, and according to him, he will contact Fortun to clear out the issue. But the QCPD chief assured us that no special treatment will happen when they handle the case.)

She also revealed that the PNP is reviewing its policies following recent cases involving its erring cops.

“Lahat po iyan ay niri-review po ng PNP at mas lalo pong palalakasin iyong ating mga monitoring mechanism at internal disciplinary machineries to make sure na hindi na po masusundan iyong mga current cases po natin involving police officers po,” Fajardo added.

(We are reviewing everything. We are also strengthening our monitoring mechanism and inter-disciplinary machinery to ensure this will not happen again.)

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