QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte has ordered the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) to investigate how the QC Police District handled the gun-toting incident involving a former police officer and a cyclist.

Belmonte issued the order as she expressed dismay on why the Galas Police Station (PS-11) allowed the incident to quickly end in an amicable settlement.

At the same time, Belmonte assured that the cyclist would be given protection whom she urged to come forward and coordinate with the city government in filing necessary cases.

Belmonte made the call after the former police officer, identified as Wilfredo Gonzales, claimed that the issue had been settled.

“We are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzales, whom I consider a menace to society, can be held accountable.

We want to assure the cyclist that we will extend legal assistance, as well as put him and his family in our protection, so that justice is served.

I will not allow this case to be whitewashed. Maaaring natatakot ang biktima na humarap dahil ang nakatapat niya ay taga-gobyerno. Nais nating bigyang-diin na walang puwang ang karahasan sa ating lungsod,” she said.

On Sunday, the QCPD conducted a press conference after Gonzales presented himself to the police following a video that went viral on social media where he was seen pointing a gun at an unarmed biker during a road altercation.

Should the biker come forward, the city is looking into filing possible complaints such as: Grave Threat, Slander by Deed, Reckless Imprudence, Physical Injuries, Violations of RA 10591 or absence of a License to Own and Possess a Firearm; absence of Permit to Carry.

The city government stressed that City Ordinance SP-2988 S-2020 or the Ordinance promoting Safe Cycling and Active Transport penalizes motorists obstructing cycling lanes or walking paths.

Furthermore, Section 8.2.2 of City Ordinance SP-2636 S-2017 or QC Road Safety Code states that, “no driver shall permit his/her vehicle to block any portion of the bicycle lane. At no time shall any vehicle use, straddle, or obstruct the designated bike lane.”

The mayor emphasized that the city government will further strengthen the safety of bike lanes and deploy more bike patrols to protect the cyclists and maintain safer roads.

She also thanked the Philippine National Police, particularly the Firearms and Explosives Office, for revoking the License To Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF), Firearm Registration (FR) and Permit To Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) of Gonzales.

“He is not only an irresponsible gun owner with anger management issues, but a danger to our people,” Belmonte said.