The motorcycle rider involved in the viral road rage video in Makati City has surrendered to the police, the Southern Police District (SPD) said.
SPD District Director PBGen. Roderick Mariano announced the surrender of Angelito Rencio at the Makati Police Station on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Rencio, who said he was a member of the intelligence division of the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP), was one of the two men involved in the traffic scuffle on Aug. 25 along Osmeña Highway, Barangay Pio Del Pilar, Makati City. The incident became viral after he and PSSg. Marsan Dolipas' altercation was caught on video by motorists and was uploaded on social media.
"In response to the viral video, thorough investigation was conducted by SPD and Makati City Police to ascertain the events leading to the altercation. Following the investigation, a complaint was filed against Angelito Rencio on Aug. 30, 2023, by the Makati City Police Station for violation of R.A 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), Art. 177 (Usurpation of Authority), and Art. 151 (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority) of the Revised Penal Code. The complaint was docketed under IS No. XV-05-INV-23H-2595 at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office," the SPD said.
"Upon awareness of the complaints filed against him, Rencio voluntarily surrendered himself to the SPD. He sought to shed light on the complaint filed against him and to ensure his safety. Rencio is currently under the custody of the Makati City Police Station," it added.
According to the police report, Dolipas and Rencio were involved in a traffic altercation along Osmeña Highway after Rencio, who was riding a motorcycle, sideswiped Dolipas' car. Rencio then uttered harsh words against Dolipas and gave him a dirty finger, prompting the officer to alight from his car and confront Rencio.
Upon seeing a gun tucked on Rencio's waist, Dolipas identified himself as a police officer, took the gun, and subdued Rencio.
After the scuffle, Dolipas sought assistance from the nearest police station, Makati City Police Substation 3, where they were brought for questioning.
Rencio's firearm was surrendered to the authorities, however, they allowed Rencio to leave the station after requesting to go home supposedly to get the documents of his firearm.
The SPD said this move should not have been allowed hence, the station's desk officer and substation commander were relieved from their posts.
"SPD and Makati City Police Station is conducting impartial investigation pending the filing of administrative cases to the desk officer on duty and Substation 3 commander," the SPD earlier said.
"We appeal to the public to refrain from making hasty judgments solely based on a video clip. It is imperative to seek comprehensive understanding of the entire incident, including the events that transpired before and after the video was taken. As law enforcement agencies, we are committed to conducting thorough and impartial investigation to gather all relevant facts and establish an accurate sequence of events." Mariano appealed.