Napolcom monitors QC cop’s road rage case

Napolcom monitors QC cop’s road rage case | Daily Tribune

National Police Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner, lawyer Rafael Vicente Calinisan, said on Saturday that they will closely monitor the case of a Quezon City policeman who killed a driver and injured his companion in a road rage incident along Commonwealth Avenue Thursday night.

The families of the victims have filed a case against EM/Sgt. Randy Tuzon, 48, who is assigned to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Batasan Police Station 6, before the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) of Quezon City.

“We do not condone any form of abuse, especially from our policemen who have sworn to serve and protect the people. We will closely monitor the developments of this case. The families of the victims can contact me and my office directly,” Calinisan told the Daily Tribune.

Calinisan clarified that, due to the principle of exclusive concurrent jurisdiction, the PLEB holds jurisdiction over the case since a complaint has already been filed there. “Unless the victims withdraw the case and file it with Napolcom, we must respect their decision to proceed with the PLEB.”

Tuzon is currently under police custody. QCPD officials confirmed he surrendered shortly after the incident.

The shooting occurred on Tandang Sora Avenue in Barangay Old Balara at around 6:30 p.m. Investigators said Tuzon had a traffic altercation with the driver of an L300 van. Tuzon blocked the van, exited his vehicle, punched the driver, Ronnie Borromeo, 42, and then shot him multiple times.

Tuzon then returned to his vehicle and left the scene. Seven bullet casings and a fired bullet were recovered at the location. Borromeo was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. His companion, known only as Reynaldo, was treated for gunshot wounds to his left hip and thigh.

Tuzon later surrendered to a police officer at an outpost along Commonwealth Avenue and was brought to Station 6, where he is being held for homicide and frustrated homicide.

Initially, QCPD attempted to conceal the incident from the media but later issued a statement vowing a thorough and transparent investigation. “Although it involved a police officer, QCPD does not condone wrongdoing and ensures that the officer will face a fair and just legal process,” the statement said.

Calinisan expressed confidence in the PLEB QC, describing it as an independent and competent disciplinary authority. “Before my appointment as Commissioner, I served as chairperson of the PLEB QC for over four years and can attest to its competence,” he said. “I want the public to know that police abuse cases can be filed at Napolcom’s head office or regional offices. We pledge to resolve cases swiftly under my watch.”