Road rage escalates to shooting in Antipolo, three injured

A road rage altercation escalated into a shooting incident in Antipolo City Sunday afternoon, leaving three individuals injured.

Initial investigation showed that a heated argument erupted between the suspect and the victims along Marcos Highway in front of a coffee shop in Sitio Calumpang, Barangay San Jose, in this city.

The suspect allegedly opened fire, hitting three individuals before fleeing the scene. The victims were identified as alias Peter, a 52-year-old businessman; alias Patrick, a 22-year-old college student; and alias Davis, 29. Alias Peter sustained gunshot wound to the head, while alias Patrick was shot in the right arm and alias Davis was hit in the right chest while attempting to pacify the altercation.

The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect, identified as alias Kenneth, a 28-year-old businessman, attempted to evade authorities using his black Toyota Fortuner but was intercepted and apprehended by the authorities after a rapid hot pursuit operation.

Recovered from the suspect were a 9mm caliber with serial number F295179, a magazine with 15 bullets, a magazine with seven bullets, eight fired cartridge cases of 9mm caliber, and a black sports utility vehicle.

In a Facebook post, Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares said the suspect was immediately arrested in a checkpoint operation and is now under the custody of Antipolo police.

“Nahuli ang suspect na nambaril ng kanyang nakaalitan sa daan. Sa dami ng beses niya pinaputok ang kanyang baril, pati misis niya ay kanyang tinamaan (The suspect, who shot his opponent during a road altercation, has been arrested. He fired his gun multiple times, accidentally hitting his own wife),” the mayor said.

The suspect is facing charges for three counts of frustrated homicide, for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and for violation of the Omnibus Election Code.

Rizal police provincial director P/Col. Felipe Maraggun encouraged the public to be responsible for their actions on the road.

"Violence is not just a solution in any dispute and misunderstanding. Let's avoid road rage, show concern and respect for others, and always practice proper behavior," Maraggun said.

"May we serve as a model for unity and discipline. Let's make our roads safe always," the provincial police chief added.

Maraggun also urged the public to remain calm and avoid getting involved in a road rage or other dangerous situations.

The Rizal PNP also assured the families of the victims that justice will be served for this case.

Meanwhile, Ynares urged motorists to remain calm while driving.

“Drive safely, Antipolo. Hindi mahalaga kung sino ang tama at sino ang mali. Keep your cool all the time. It's not worth it. Ipaubaya po sa Diyos ang lahat (Drive safely, Antipolo. It doesn't matter who is right or wrong. Keep your cool at all times. It's not worth it. Leave everything to God),” she said.

The investigation into the road rage incident is still ongoing.