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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Mayor Joy extends legal assistance to victim of gun-toting incident

Mayor Joy extends legal assistance to victim of gun-toting incident

Published Aug 28, 2023 12:07 pm

At A Glance

  • The mayor appealed to the victim to come forward, ensuring that Wilfredo "Willy" Gonzalez, the man seen brandishing a gun in the viral video, will be held accountable.
  • Mayor Belmonte said Gonzales may be charged for Grave Threat, Slander by Deed, Reckless Imprudence, Physical Injuries, and violations of Republic Act (RA) 10591.
  • Belmonte urged QC People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) to investigate "how the Quezon City Police District handled the case." 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, on Monday, Aug. 28, vowed to give legal support to the cyclist involved in the recent viral gun-toting incident in the city.

"We want to assure the cyclist that we will extend legal assistance, as well as put him and his family in our protection, so that justice is served," Belmonte said in a statement.

The mayor appealed to the victim to come forward, ensuring that Wilfredo "Willy" Gonzalez, the man seen brandishing a gun in the viral video, will be held accountable.

As per the official statement, Gonzalez, whom Belmonte described as a “menace in the society,” may be charged for Grave Threat, Slander by Deed, Reckless Impudence, and Physical Injuries; along with violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 10591 or the "Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulation Act," particularly Absence of a License to Own and Possess a Firearm, and Absence of Permit to Carry.

Moreover, charges for violations of City Ordinance SP-2988, s. of 2020 or the “Ordinance promoting Safe Cycling and Active Transport,” and Section 8.2.2 of City Ordinance SP-2636, s. of 2017 or the “QC Road Safety Code” may be filed against Gonzales.

Ordinance 2988 penalizes motorists obstructing cycling lanes or walking paths, while the QC Road Safety Code states that “no driver shall permit his/her vehicle to block any portion of the bicycle lane.”

Moreover, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has disclosed that Gonzalez is not the vehicle's registered owner.

Thus, aside from gun-toting charges, he may face additional penalties for violation of Section 27 (Improper Person to Operate a Vehicle) and Section 48 (Reckless Driving) of RA No. 4136 or the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code.”

Under investigation

Belmonte urged the QC People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) to investigate "how the Quezon City Police District handled the case," regarding the incident.

The city mayor also expressed her dismay and questioned "why the Galas Police Station (PS-11) allowed the incident to quickly end in an amicable settlement."

She strongly condemned the gun-toting incident, saying she will "not allow this case to be whitewashed.”

"Maaaring natatakot ang biktima na humarap dahil ang nakatapat niya ay taga-gobyerno. Nais nating bigyang-diin na walang puwang ang karahasan sa ating lungsod (The victim may be afraid to come forward because the person they are facing is a government official. We want to emphasize that there is no place for violence in our city)," she added.

Moreover, Belmonte assured the local cycling community and its citizens that the city is "willing to exhaust all means to demonstrate to them that we will act in their interest and in the pursuit of justice."

She also expressed gratitude to the Philippine National Police (PNP), especially the Firearms and Explosives Office, for revoking Gonzales' License To Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF), Firearm Registration (FR), and Permit To Carry Firearms Outside the Residence (PTCFOR).

“He is not only an irresponsible gun owner with anger management issues, but a danger to our people," Belmonte stressed.

Related Tags

quezoncity metro news Mayor Joy Belmonte
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