Ex-cop admits to assaulting cyclist in road rage case, says he’s sorry
MANILA, Philippines — Former police officer Wilfredo “Willie” Gonzales admitted that he assaulted and cocked a gun at cyclist Allan Bandiola during a road altercation in Quezon City, adding that he regrets what he has done.
“Humihingi po ako ng tawad sa sa parte pong ‘yun — sa pambabatok ko, sa pagbunot at pagkasa ko [ng baril]. Humihingi po ako ng tawad sa lahat, hindi lang [kay Allan Bandiola], kundi lahat po sa inyo. Kasalanan ko po ‘yun, nabigla po ako,” said Gonzales during a public hearing held by the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs held Tuesday.
(I apologize for that part — for hitting him, for pulling out and pointing [the gun]. I apologize to everyone, not just [to Allan Bandiola], but to all of you. It’s my fault, I was shocked.)
According to Gonzales, he was defending himself because when the altercation occurred, he was only regaining his strength from an operation.
Article continues after this advertisement“Galing ako sa spine operation. So sa isip ko [ay ‘yung] element na i-shock ko manlang siya [para hindi niya] ako masugod. Kasi kung madadakma niya ako baka mapatay niya ako, mahina ako e. Bagong opera po ako eh,” Gonzales said.
Article continues after this advertisement(I came from a spine operation. So, I thought there should be an element that I should shock him so he can’t hurt me. Because if he catches me, he might kill me since I’m weak. I am still recovering from an operation.)
The 63-year-old Gonzales also claimed that Bandiola acted as if he would attack him, prompting the ex-cop to pull out his gun.
“Normal reaction ko lang po ‘yun kasi binatukan niya ako [kaya] bumaba ako ng bike,” said Bandiola, defending himself.
(That was just my normal reaction because he hit me. That’s why I got off my bike.)
Cyclist Bandiola, in the same hearing, said he and Gonzales had settled their disagreement.
“Wala pong pumilit sa akin. Nakipag areglo po ako dahil ayaw ko ng gulo,” Bandiola stressed.
(No one forced me. I’ve compromised to settle things because I don’t want any trouble.)
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