The Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (QC PLEB) invited on Thursday, Aug. 31, the commander of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Galas Station (PS 11) for a meeting as part of the investigation on the road rage incident involving a former police officer and a cyclist in the city last Aug. 8.

Lawyer Rafael Vicente Calinisan, QC PLEB executive officer, met with Lt. Col. Jake Barila, PS 11 commander, to discuss what transpired during the settlement procedure between the cyclist and Wilfredo Gonzales, the ex-policeman, after the gun-toting incident.

The QC PLEB began a thorough investigation on the incident upon the order of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Calinisan clarified that the investigation is meant to determine whether protocols were followed and if administrative lapses were committed during the settlement of the case.

The city government said that any complaint filed against the Galas Police Station in relation to the conduct of settlement procedures will be tried, and the personnel involved may be held accountable for “grave misconduct and oppression”.

The offense may be punishable by dismissal from the service or suspension, it added.

Calinisan also questioned the QCPD’s move to host a press conference with Gonzales, which allegedly gave him a chance to air only his side. 

A video clip showing Gonzales hitting the head of the cyclist and pulling out his firearm near the corner of Quezon Avenue and Welcome Rotonda went viral on social media on Sunday, Aug. 27.

Police said the biker allegedly bumped the rear portion of Gonzales’ red Kia sedan which led to a confrontation between the two.

A press conference was held on Sunday after Gonzales surrendered to the QCPD.

During the conference, Gonzales revealed that he and the cyclist were able to settle their conflict through an amicable agreement after they went to the QCPD Galas Station on the same day.

However, in a Facebook post on Sunday, lawyer Raymond Fortun shared the screenshots of his text conversation with the cyclist he identified as “AB” who expressed worries for his and his family’s security.

Fortun said that the cyclist was allegedly brought to the police station where he was forced to sign an agreement that he and Gonzlaes have settled their conflict, and admitted that he bumped the ex-policeman’s vehicle. He was also fined P500 for the damages on the vehicle.

On Wednesday, Aug. 30, QCPD director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III filed his resignation as the local police chief following the social media backlash against the press conference with Gonzales.

The local government also said the City Council also conducted its own public hearing and investigation on the incident.

“The city government is committed to building a peaceful community where violence is not condoned. Public safety is our primordial concern. We will explore all avenues to hold Gonzalez accountable for his brazen actions,” Mayor Belmonte said.

The mayor earlier called on the cyclist to coordinate with them during the investigation.

"While we understand and respect the decision of the cyclist, the failure to prosecute the perpetrator breeds a culture of impunity. We are sending the wrong signal that we are tolerating violence, and in the meantime, the cycling community will continue to be prone to threats and intimidation. By setting an example, the successful prosecution of this case would certainly help achieve our goal of creating a haven for safe cycling," she said. 

“However, the sad truth is that in the absence of a complainant, a strong criminal case cannot prosper,” the mayor added.

“The cooperation of the victim is very crucial. Unfortunately, the quantum of proof required in a criminal case is proof beyond reasonable doubt. The testimony of the cyclist is indispensable to establish any injury, threat, and/or besmirchment against his person, the absence of which would render any criminal prosecution futile,” lawyer Orlando Casimiro, Quezon City Public Assistance and Legal Affairs Office head, said.

Belmonte expressed hope that the cyclist will have a change of heart and pursue his complaint in the interest of justice and public safety. She assured that he will receive legal assistance and protection from the city government.

Calinisan told Manila Bulletin that he also invited three QCPD Traffic Sector 4 personnel, who Gonzales and the cyclist first met before going to the PS 11, for a meeting on Friday, Sept. 1, regarding the road rage incident.