Man who drew gun on cyclist regrets act, but requests social media users to be responsible
A retired cop who became a hot topic online after he assaulted, drew, and cocked his gun on a cyclist following a road accident has regretted his action but criticized social media users for painting him as a bad person.
The ex-cop, identified as Wilfredo Gonzales, addressed in a press conference the incident that happened near Welcome Rotonda at the boundary of Manila and Quezon City on Aug. 8. In a video captured by a citizen that has since become viral, Gonzales could be seen stepping out of his red car and getting into a heated argument with a cyclist who cut his lane.
Gonzales assaulted the cyclist by slapping his helmet before bringing out his gun and cocking it as a show of threat.
Speaking before reporters at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Gonzales underscored that he and the cyclist went to the police station and where they talked, made amends, and agreed to forget about the incident.
He went on to express his regret over drawing his gun during that situation.
"Sa oras na iyon, napagtanto ko na isang kamalian na inilabas ko at ikinasa ko ang baril kahit na ito ay hindi ko naman itinutok sa kanya. Dahil dito, boluntaryo kong iniwan ang baril sa police station upang malinaw kong mapag-isipan kung gusto ko pang mag-ari ng baril sa hinaharap o hindi na," he said.
He also took the time to air his ill sentiments over vloggers and social media users who criticized him for his act despite not knowing the full story.
"Ang pakiusap ko lang po sana, 'yung mga vloggers, sana maging responsable sila. Hindi nila alam ang puno't dulo. Marami agad magco-comment, nakita [akong] nagkasa [ng baril], hindi naman nila nakita 'yung tunay pangyayari," he said.
"'Yun lang ang pinapakiusap ko sa mga vloggers kasi kawawa naman ang mga anak ko, mga kapamilya ko. Parang ang sama-sama kong tao," he added.
Despite Gonzales insisting that the issue has been settled between him and the cyclist, QCPD chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre said that a criminal case can still be filed against the retired cop by "anyone who is interested."
The conference came after the Land Transportation Office issued a show cause order against Gonzales a day before, with Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza stressing, "We assure the public of our swift action on this matter. In as much as we want to immediately impose sanctions based on the viral video, we have to observe and respect due process and this includes a fair conduct of investigation."
Gonzales' license to carry firearms has now been revoked, according to an order issued by the Philippine National Police said the Firearms and Explosives Office.
"Let this incident serve as a clear reminder that owning a firearm is a privilege that demands adherence to the law and the highest ethical standards. We urge all gun owners to reflect on their responsibilities and ensure that their actions consistently reflect the values of respect, accountability, and security.", Philippine National Police Chief Benjamin Acorda said.