Driver Release Statement Following Viral Road Rage Incident
DRIVER – Here is the statement of the driver who hit the cyclist and brandished a gun during their heated argument on August 8, 2023, at an intersection close to Welcome Rotonda.
The driver of the red sedan, who was captured in a now-deleted video, participating in a road rage incident with a cyclist, claimed that he had resolved the issue with the cyclist before the video became viral on Sunday.
During a press briefing on Sunday afternoon, Wilfredo Gonzales revealed that he and the cyclist reached a written agreement a few hours after the incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. on August 8 near the Welcome Rotonda, the boundary between Manila and Quezon City.
Wilfredo Gonzales informed the press at the Quezon City Police District headquarters that following the altercation, he went to the police station and reconciled with the cyclist. “Pagkatapos ng komprontasyon na nakita sa viral video, ako at ang ang siklista ay pumunta kami sa police station kung saan kami nagkausap, nagkapatawaran, at nagkasundong kalimutan ang nangyari,” he explained.
He decided not to disclose the details of the written arrangement.
Once the video gained extensive attention on social media, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued an order for the driver to clarify his actions. The Quezon City administration also strongly condemned the incident, as Gonzales allegedly displayed a firearm at the cyclist.
In an official statement, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza communicated that the directive for an explanation was sent through the agency’s National Capital Region Director, Roque Verzosa III.
Mendoza also required an investigation into the occurrence. “We assure the public of our swift action on this matter,” he said. “In as much as we want to immediately impose sanctions based on the viral video, we have to observe and respect due process and this includes a fair conduct of investigation.”
During the same press conference, Gonzales urged individuals who use social media to share the viral video responsibly. Additionally, Gonzales acknowledged his mistake, admitting, “It was a mistake that I pulled out and cocked the gun even though I didn’t point it at him.”
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