MANILA – The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs will issue a subpoena against Wilfredo Gonzales, a former police officer who was caught in a viral video pulling out and cocking his gun at a cyclist in a road rage that happened near Welcome Rotonda, Quezon City.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who chairs the panel, told reporters on Friday that if Gonzales chooses to ignore the subpoena, he will be cited in contempt and shall be arrested by the Senate’s Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
“Ipa-subpoena natin siya kung hindi siya magsipot at kung hindi pa din siya sumipot sa subpoena, pwede natin siyang ipaaresto sa sergeant-of-arms natin (We will subpoena him if he will not attend and if he will not heed to the subpoena, we can ask the sergeant-of-arms to arrest him),” he said.
The panel will hold the investigation at 10 a.m. on Sept. 5 in response to the Senate Resolution No. 763 filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Pia Cayetano.
Dela Rosa scheduled the inquiry despite the fact that the cyclist withdrew his complaints after reportedly having settled with Gonzales.
“The investigation in aid of legislation goes beyond the filing of appropriate charges against the erring gun holder,” pointed out.
The panel, Dela Rosa said, also encourages Gonzales, especially the cyclist, to attend the hearing so that all sides will be heard.
On Thursday, the Quezon City Council also looked into the incident aiming to support whoever can provide more information about the incident; to know how the Galas Police Station handled the case that led to the settlement of both parties; to receive updates from the Quezon City Police District which is currently handling the case; and to revoke Gonzales’ gun and driver’s licenses.
Meanwhile, dela Rosa lauded the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its decision to revoke the firearm privileges of Gonzales, saying what the latter did is unacceptable in a civilized society.
“Hindi pupwede ‘yung gano’n. Gagamit ka kaagad ng baril. Hindi ‘yon karapat-dapat kahit na sabihin mo pantakot lang ‘yon (That is not allowed – immediately pulling a gun. It is inappropriate even if you say it is just to scare the person),” he said. “But still, napakalaki po ng impact nun sa nakakita na bumunot ka ng baril, kumasa ka pa, kahit sabihin mo na ‘di mo tinutukan (Pulling a gun and cocking it has a huge impact on those who saw it even if it was not pointed at anyone).”
Dela Rosa explained that the main purpose of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence being issued by the PNP is to protect the gun holder from harm and not to threaten or make aggressive actions against anybody.
“Tama lang ‘yung ginawa ng PNP na tanggalan siya ng lisensya ng baril at saka lahat ng mga permit sa baril na binigay sa kanya ay tinanggal sa kanya (It was right for the PNP to revoke his gun license and all gun permits issued to him),” he added. (PNA)
