Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos has called for a deep reflection on the consequences of anger following the road rage incident that killed one and injured at least four others recently.
In his post on the social media page of the Diocese of Antipolo, Bishop Santos said the unchecked anger that resulted in the road rage incident that led to the death of an individual and injuries to others on March 30 on Marcos Highway, was "a force that blinded, burned, and left lives shattered in its wake’.
The Antipolo prelate urged the people to be reminded of the teachings of the Church on patience, understanding, and compassion. He said: "He wished for us to seek the peace that comes through Him and the strength to respond with grace rather than fury."
When faced with traffic congestion and daily challenges that test our patience, Bishop Santos reminded the faithful to practice kindness and self-control.
Bishop Santos said the quote from Psalm 37:8, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath, do not fret, it leads only to evil” should also remind everyone that a single action taken in anger can have irreversible consequences.
The Antipolo bishop, in the same post, thanked the Antipolo Police led by Police Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo for the swift action of the police that led to the immediate arrest of the road rage suspect.
He also prayed for the swift recovery of the wounded victims, and for the conversion of hearts of those affected by the incident, that “anger may give way to peace and that peace may reign in our homes, roads, and our lives”.
“May justice and healing prevail for all affected by this tragedy,” Bishop Santos added.
The Antipolo Police said the suspect may face charges of murder, multiple frustrated murder, and violation of the Commission on Election's gun ban.
Four individuals were hurt in the shooting spree, three of whom were riders and one was the suspect’s live-in partner.
Police said the suspect, who was apologetic when interviewed by the media a day following the incident, said he was ganged up by the riders prompting him to use his firearm and shoot his attackers in an alleged act of self-defense.