Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) director Col. Felipe Maraggun on Monday, March 31, said charges of frustrated homicide, violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, as well as the election gun ban will be filed against the 28-year-old businessman who shot four persons during a road rage incident in Antipolo City on Sunday, March 30.
"Pini-prepare natin 'yung mga kasong frustrated homicide and violation din po ng Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act at itong violation ng Omnibus Election Code dahil ongoing po ang ating election ban (We are currently preparing the cases of frustrated homicide, violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and the violation of Omnibus Election Code due to the ongoing election gun ban against the suspect)," Maraggun said in a TV interview.
He added the police are still investigating if the suspect, identified as "Kenneth," has a permit to carry firearms as he claimed yesterday after his arrest.
The suspect failed to produce a Certificate of Authority from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to carry a firearm amid the gun ban.
Maraggun also belied Kenneth's claim that he was forced to use his pistol against the victims as one of them was about to pull out one, saying that no such incident was captured on CCTV and witnesses' video footage of the altercation.
The son of the rider who was shot said his father doesn't have a gun with him during the incident.
Gitgitan to Barilan
Based on the police report, the shooting incident occurred at around 5 p.m. along Marcos Highway in Barangay San Jose after the suspect, who was driving a black Toyota Fortuner, allegedly cut the way dangerously close to a motorcycle rider.
The rider, together with other motorcycle riders chased after Kenneth and a fistfight ensued near a cafe where they stopped, which led to the shooting.
Four individuals were injured in the incident, including the suspect's partner.
One of the victims was shot at the head while the others were shot on parts of their bodies.
Maraggun said three of the victims were already discharged from the hospital while the one shot on the head is still undergoing surgery.
Kenneth was nabbed at a checkpoint in Masinag, Barangay Mayamot, following a hot pursuit operation.
Meanwhile, Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares reminded motorists to stay calm on the road.
“Lamig ng ulo sa daan ang kailangan. Drive safely, Antipolo. Hindi mahalaga kung sino ang tama at sino ang mali. Keep your cool all the time. It's not worth it. Ipaubaya po sa Diyos ang lahat (Stay calm on the road. Drive safely, Antipolo. It doesn’t matter who’s right or wrong, keep your cool at all times. It’s not worth it. Leave everything to God),” he said.