Retired cop Wilfredo Gonzales, who was recently caught on camera drawing and cocking a gun at a cyclist after a road altercation, expressed regret for his actions while criticizing social media users for unfairly portraying him.
The incident, which occurred on August 8 near Welcome Rotonda at the boundary of Manila and Quezon City, went viral after a citizen captured Gonzales stepping out of his red car and engaging in a heated argument with a cyclist. The video showed Gonzales slapping the cyclist’s helmet and then drawing his gun as a form of intimidation.
In a press conference held at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Gonzales revealed that both he and the cyclist had gone to the police station, talked, made amends, and agreed to forget about the incident.
“I realized it was a mistake to draw and cock my gun even though I didn’t point it at him. Because of this, I voluntarily left my gun at the police station to clearly contemplate if I still want to own a firearm in the future or not,” Gonzales said.
He also criticized social media users and vloggers for hastily judging him without knowing the entire story.
“All I’m asking from the vloggers is to be responsible. They don’t know the whole story. Many immediately commented, saw me cocking a gun, but they didn’t see the real incident,” he said, adding that the incident has had negative repercussions on his family.
Despite Gonzales’ insistence that the matter has been settled with the cyclist, QCPD chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre mentioned that a criminal case could still be filed against him by “anyone who is interested.”
Following the incident, the Land Transportation Office issued a show cause order against Gonzales. “We assure the public of our swift action on this matter. We have to observe and respect due process, including a fair conduct of investigation,” said Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza.
Moreover, the Philippine National Police’s Firearms and Explosives Office has revoked Gonzales’ license to carry firearms.
“Let this incident serve as a clear reminder that owning a firearm is a privilege that demands adherence to the law and the highest ethical standards,” said Philippine National Police Chief Benjamin Acorda.
