PHILIPPINE National Police Civil Security Group director Brigadier General Benjamin H. Silo Jr. on Monday announced the revocation of all gun permits issued to a retired cop caught on video assaulting an unarmed cyclist near the Quezon City Welcome rotonda last August 8.

PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. ordered the revocation of the License to Own and Possess Firearms, Firearm Registration and Permit-to-Carry-Firearms-Outside-of-Residence issued to the man in the viral video identified as Willie Gonzales.

In turn, the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office chief Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas asked the FEO License Revocation and Restoration Board to nullify the LTOFP and the corresponding Firearms Registration issued to the accused following a review of the viral video.

The PTCFOR issued to the accused was also automatically revoked in the aftermath of the cancellation of his other gun permits. The PNP-FEO actions triggered the confiscation of the registered firearms of the lawbreaker.

Acorda said the PNP has the prerogative to revoke LTOPFs and firearm registrations in cases where grounds for revocation and cancellation are unequivocally present.

“Public safety is non-negotiable and responsible gun ownership is a cornerstone of that safety. We extend our commitment to upholding the wellbeing of our communities and maintaining the highest standards of firearm ownership,” Gen. Acorda said.

The PNP chief also assured that safeguarding public welfare remains the paramount concern of the PNP.

“Ongoing and comprehensive measures will be steadfastly implemented to ensure the integrity and credibility of the licensure system.

The PNP strongly reiterates the intrinsic value of conscientious gun ownership as a cornerstone for cultivating a harmonious, secure and protected society that benefits all law-abiding citizens,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Silo said that the LTOFP, Firearm Registration and PTCFOR of the accused were revoked on Sunday after their investigation showed that the latter drew and cocked his pistol and later pointed it toward the unarmed cyclist.

On Sunday, Q.C. Police District director, Brig. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III presented Gonzales to the media, hours after a video showing him cutting into the path of a cyclist along the bicycle lane in Welcome rotonda before striking the man on the head and drawing a gun on him went viral in the social media.

National Capital Region Police Office director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said that the accused was identified with the help of the QCPD and the Manila Police District.

The Metro Manila police chief said that the accused also faces trouble with the Land Transportation Office which is also investigating the latter for his road rage.

Canceling the driver’s license of the accused is one of the LTO options in this case. Nartatez said they are also waiting for the cyclist to surface and file a case against the suspect.

Gonzales however claimed that he and the cyclist have settled the incident. “Pagkatapos ng komprontasyon na nakita niyo sa viral video, ako at ang aking siklista ay pumunta kami sa police station kung saan kami ay nagkausap, nagkapatawaran at nagkasundong kalimutan ang nangyari,” he said.

Gonzales added that he voluntarily left his firearm at the police station in order to reflect on whether he still wanted to own a gun in the future.

Brig. Gen. Torre said that since no complaint has been filed yet, Gonzales is facing no criminal charges. Lawyer Raymond Fortun said he will file a case of grave threat and slander by deed against the accused.

“In a nutshell, siya na yung binatukan at tinutukan ng baril, pinagbayad pa siya ng P500,” Fortun wrote.

The lawyer added that the person who initially uploaded the video has also reportedly received threats, with warnings of potential legal consequences.

Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 says that all persons including members of the PNP, Armed Forces and other Law Enforcement Agencies in civilian attire are prohibited from displaying their firearms.

“The firearms must always be concealed; violation of this provision shall be subject for immediate revocation of the License to Own and Possess Firearms and Firearm Registration,” the law says.