(August 30, 2023) – The head of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) resigned on Wednesday after drawing flak from the press conference with a dismissed police officer who went viral for brandishing a gun against a cyclist in Quezon City.
Brigadier Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed to multiple media outlets that he already informed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. about his decision to resign to ensure impartiality in the ongoing probe. Torre said this will take effect tomorrow.
Acorda confirmed that Torre has expressed his intention to resign but he clarified that they would still review this matter. He added that the press conference in question is under investigation.
On Tuesday, Torre admitted on Ted Failon and DJ Chacha sa Radyo 5 his lapses for allowing the press conference as a response to the request of the media to get the side of Willie Gonzales, who surrendered to the QCPD last weekend.
Last August 8, Gonzales hit a cyclist on the helmet during a road altercation before drawing a gun against the unarmed biker. He was heavily criticized after a video of his road rage quickly went viral last weekend.
During the press conference, Gonzales, who was seated next to Torre, appealed to vloggers to be more responsible in what they post following the hate he received due to his gun-toting. He also lamented that netizens viewed him as an evil person.
Gonzales said he and the cyclist already reached a settlement in the police station after the incident.
“I take responsibility for that (press conference),” said Torre. “Pinag-iisipan ko naman, kung hindi ko ilalabas, ano namang sasabihin sa akin? Eh ‘di pinrotect ko naman itong pulis na ito para huwag siya maharap sa media?”
Torre yet again apologized and hinted at his resignation in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo this morning.
“I am seriously considering getting out of Quezon City muna to give way to an impartial investigation,” said Torre.
Belmonte said “it felt strange” that the QCPD held a press conference with Gonzales, noting the lack of remorse on the part of the discharged police officer.
“I’m not a lawyer or police, but as a regular citizen, I’m outraged na siya pa ang binigyan ng platform para magbigay ng kanyang panig. Hindi man lang siya nag-apologize. Siya pa raw ‘yung aggrieved party,” said Belmonte.
So far, the QCPD has filed a complaint of alarm and scandal against Gonzales. He was already stripped of his gun license while the Land Transportation Office preventively suspended his driver’s license.
Belmonte ordered the People’s Law Enforcement Board to probe how the QCPD handled the case of Gonzales. She likewise assured the security of the biker who has refused to come forward over safety concerns for himself and his family.
“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,” said Belmonte.
(PM)
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