What we know so far about the road rage shooting in Antipolo
A road rage incident that occurred along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City escalated into a fatal shooting that left four people injured on March 30.
Videos, which made the rounds online, showed a black SUV and motorcycles stopped on the side of the road with the driver and riders engaging in a fistfight.
According to Police Regional Office 4A, the incident happened at approximately 5:00 p.m. in front of a coffee shop along Marcos Highway, Sitio Calumpang, Brgy. San Jose in Antipolo City.
The altercation escalated into a shooting, as the driver, alias "Ken," pulled out a gun, injuring four individuals identified as Peter Guzon Jr., 52; Patrick Guzon, 22; Davis Menor, 29; and the suspect's partner, Camille Yacat, who were brought to the nearest hospital.
The driver was seen on video carrying his partner back to his SUV and driving away from the scene after the incident.
Driver arrested
A case of multiple frustrated homicides is now being readied against the suspect, identified as alias "Ken," a 28-year-old businessman and a resident of Baras, Rizal. He has been arrested and will face other appropriate charges as authorities continue their investigation.
"Sa nakaaway ko noong road rage, humihingi po ako ng tawad sa nagawa ko. Dahil lang po sa init ng ulo, mainit po ulo namin pareho, dahil po sa aking pagkakabugbog, nawala na po ako sa aking sarili. Masakit na ho 'yung naramdaman ko eh," he told reporters at the city police station on March 31.
Ken claimed that he was rushing and had his hazard lights on, but the riders "created a commotion" as he apologized.
"Eh 'yung isa pong naka helmet, masyadong mainit talaga. Sabi ko, 'Tay, wag ka masyado mainit,' hanggang sa pinagmumura ako tapos natamaan ng kamay niya yung brother ko sa nguso, dun na kami nagsuntukan," he said.
Ken also alleged that one of the riders appeared to be pulling out a gun from his bag, which caused him to grab his own firearm.
"Hindi ko naman po sinasadya talaga yun, dahil nadala lang po talaga ng emosyon."
Police recognized for 'swift' response
Meanwhile, eight police officers who responded to a road rage shooting incident were awarded the "Medalya ng Kagalingan" or the PNP Merit Medal for demonstrating "exceptional bravery and swift action in apprehending the suspect."
"The courage and quick thinking demonstrated by our police officers in this incident embody the very essence of our duty to serve and protect," PGEN Rommel Francisco Marbil, the Philippine National Police Chief, said in a statement.
He added, "Ang pulis natin dito sa PRO4A ay naka-alerto 24/7 at kahit araw ng linggo, ay lagi silang nakahanda upang rumesponde sa mga ganitong insidente."
LTO orders investigation
The Land Transportation Office has ordered an investigation into the altercation to determine how it led to the shooting.
Asec. Mendoza stated that the outcome of this investigation would guide the LTO's course of action, which may include the potential revocation of the driver's license.
In response to the ongoing investigation, LTO-IID head Renante Melitante issued a Show Cause Order to the SUV driver and the three motorcycle riders involved in the altercation.
The SCO stipulated that the driver's licenses of the SUV driver and one of the motorcycle riders would be suspended for 90 days, pending the investigation's findings. Additionally, both the SUV and the motorcycle were placed under alarm.
Following the incident, Mendoza reminded motorists to keep cool while on the road, emphasizing that road rage will only bring trouble.
“Nakakalungkot ang ganitong pangyayari na hindi na natin binibigyan ng dignidad ang ating mga sarili, na talo pa natin ang mga bata na magsusuntukan agad sa gitna ng kalsada dahil sa bagay na puwede namang pag-pasensyahan,” he said.
Mendoza added, "Muli ay nagpapa-alala tayo sa ating mga kababayang motorista na maging maingat, maging responsible at magbaon ng napakraming pasensya kapag nasa kalsada. Marami na tayong naparusahan dahil sa road rage at marami na ang nasira ang buhay dahil sa road rage."
A gun ban is currently in place until June 11, 2025 throughout the election period, preventing individuals from bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public spaces, including buildings, streets, parks, private vehicles, or public conveyance.
