Wilfredo "Willie" Gonzales, the dismissed police officer in the viral road rage incident in Quezon City, has apologized for pulling out and cocking his gun at an unarmed cyclist.

During Tuesday's investigation of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs into the viral road rage incident, Gonzales admitted that he assaulted cyclist Allan Bandiola during their altercation near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City last month.

"I apologize for that part – for hitting him in his head and for pulling out and cocking my gun at him. I apologize to everyone, not just [to Bandiola], but to all of you. It was my fault. I was shocked," Gonzales told lawmakers.

The dismissed police officer, who has yet to return his separation pay despite being ordered to do so, claimed that he did such an act to defend himself from Bandiola.

"In my mind, I must defend myself because I have yet to recover from my spine operation. He admitted that he attacked me. For me, it was solely to shock him so could not hit me," he said.
"If he catches me, he might kill me because I am still weak. I am yet to cover from my operation," he added.

For his part, Bandiola confirmed that he planned to retaliate after being hit by Gonzales.

"It was my normal reaction because he hit me in the head. That is why I got off my bike," he said. "He could have just talked to me."

'Gloves with hard knuckles'

Meanwhile, Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito asked Gonzales about his claim that Bandiola was wearing gloves with hard knuckles during their altercation last month, which the latter allegedly used to cause a dent in his car.

"Mr. Gonzales claimed that Mr. Bandiola was wearing gloves for motorcycles that had knuckles. Is that correct?" Ejercito asked.

Gonzales replied, "Yes."

Ejercito then asked Bandiola whether he was wearing gloves, which the latter denied.