‘Go to authorities, not to social media’ — Valenzuela mayor on latest road rage incident

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian on Monday called on the public not to resort to social media when getting involved in road rage incidents.

He also advised motorists who are also gun owners to be "responsible enough" as having a license to carry a gun is just a "privilege" to have protection and not to use it like a "street toughie."

"Huwag kayong matakot lumapit sa authorities (police or LGU), paalala sa mga gun owner, license is a privilege for protection. Huwag niyong abusuhin," Gatchalian said at a press briefing he called to present the victim on another road rage incident that happened in his jurisdiction.

"I don't see the reason why (the motorist who is a gun owner) would be in a rage. Madaling araw nangyari, maluwag ang daan," Gatchalian said, referring to Marlon Malabute a businessman from Tondo, Manila who cut and hit at the cab driven by Henry Ong Jr., a resident of Valenzuela.

"Wala pang sinasabi (victim) binunutan na ng baril," the Mayor added.

Gatchalian was referring to the latest road rage incident that happened on 19 August, a couple of weeks after the controversial road rage incident in Quezon City involving a dismissed policeman and bicycle rider.

Gatchalian said the incident only reached them on 6 September, but their police were able to track the suspect through the vehicle he used which probers found to have been registered thrice because of different transfers of ownership.

P/Col. Salvador Destura Jr., Valenzuela police chief on the other end said they have already filed charges of "alarm and scandal" as well as "grave threats" charges against the road rager. He added that they also moved to have Malabute's gun license revoked.

"He will answer that at the Prosecutors' Office. If he doesn't show up, he will have a warrant. That's the time we will hunt him if he still would not present himself," Destura explained.

He added that they also reached out to the suspect's uncle and brother who promised them their cooperation.

Ong for his part, said he came into the open because of his fear and fear for his family's safety. The incident, he added was a traumatic experience to him, affecting his health and work as a taxi driver.

He urged the suspect to surrender.

Gatchalian, meanwhile, noted the incident will be treated as a "lesson learned" that will make his local government push for the planned installation of 1,500 LED streetlights with close circuit cameras and would serve as a deterrent to similar incidents.

He also ordered Destura to conduct checkpoints.