Daily Tribune‘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’.
The Quezon City People's Law Enforcement Board had invited Thursday, Galas Police Station Commander P/Lt. Col. Jake Barila to shed light on the gun-toting incident near Welcome Rotonda, and to discuss what transpired during the settlement procedure with the cyclist involved.
Upon the order of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the QC PLEB started to investigate further the incident involving a cyclist and ex-policeman, Wilfredo Gonzales, as seen on a viral video.
PLEB executive officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan clarified that the investigation is meant to determine whether protocols were followed and whether administrative lapses were committed.
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.
Calinisan also questioned the propriety of the Quezon City Police District's move to host a press conference with Gonzalez last 27 August, giving the ex-policeman a platform to air only his side.
Meanwhile, the City Council is conducting its own public hearing and investigation regarding the incident this afternoon, 31 August.
"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," Belmonte said.
She, however, lamented the statement given by the cyclist, who stressed that he and Gonzalez already reached an amicable settlement and that he is no longer keen on filing charges.
"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," Belmonte added.
According to City Attorney Orlando Casimiro: "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."
Given the public clamor for the cyclist to come out, Belmonte expressed hope that he will have a change of heart and pursue his complaint in the interest of justice and public safety.
Belmonte earlier assured the cyclist of legal assistance and protection.
