NCRPO admits lapses in QC road rage investigation involving ex-cop

MANILA, Philippines — National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday admitted that there were lapses in the police’s investigation of the road rage incident in Quezon City where a dismissed police officer brandished his gun at a cyclist.

According to Nartatez in an interview over ANC’s headstart, dismissed cop Wilfredo Gonzales should have been arrested by police if the investigation was done properly.

“The lapses that I’ve seen was the way they handled the investigation right after the August 8 incident when they were brought to the concerned police station,” said Nartatez.

“Right there, even if there was a settlement and if they had investigated it properly using the viral video and available CCTVs … if only the concerned police station has investigated it properly, Wilfredo Gonzales should have been put under arrest, kasi why would he bring his firearm to unarm a civilian in a traffic altercation?” he added.

Nartatez also slammed the Quezon City Police District’s (QCPD) move to allow Gonzales to conduct a press conference, adding that QCPD chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III should have ordered the arrest of Gonzales.

“During that time, he [Torre] should have arrested Wilfredo Gonzales. What went worse is they had a press conference that he appears na pinagwawalang sala and merong settlement (he appears to be acquitting Gonzales and that there is already a settlement) in the absence of the complainant or the aggrieved party,” said Nartatez.

Nartatez said he has already created an investigation team to probe the possible blunders committed during the investigation – from August 8, the day of the incident, until August 27.

The NCRPO chief said the team will also investigate the lapses committed by QCPD chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, as well as the Galas Police Station.

Torre filed his resignation on Wednesday after drawing backlash for allowing a press conference to be held for Gonzales.

Before his resignation, Torre apologized to the public, saying he deeply regretted holding a press conference with Gonzales.

Meanwhile, Gonzales is facing a complaint of alarm and scandal, while the Philippine National Police said they plan to file more cases against the dismissed policeman.

Gonzales has been stripped of his gun license, while the Land Transportation Office summoned him amid several traffic offenses, even suspending his driver’s license during its investigation.

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