Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III has requested to be relieved from his post in order to allow for an impartial investigation of a road rage incident that took place in Quezon City on August 8. In the incident, a former police officer physically assaulted a cyclist and brandished his firearm at the corner of Quezon Avenue and Welcome Rotonda.
Torre III confirmed on Wednesday, August 30, that his decision to step down was a personal one, made after much thought and prayer. He expressed concern about criticism on social media regarding the handling of the incident by the city police, and said he wanted to prevent any negative impact on the entire Philippine National Police (PNP) force.
Torre III is still awaiting the order from National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Acting Director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. before he officially relinquishes his post. In the meantime, he continues to fulfill his responsibilities as the city’s police commander.
The incident occurred when a cyclist collided with the rear of a red Kia Sedan driven by Willie Gonzales at around 6:00 p.m. on August 8. This led to a heated argument between the two individuals in the middle of the road. A video capturing the incident went viral on social media on August 29, showing Gonzales attacking the cyclist and pulling out his firearm.
Upon seeing the video, Torre III made a Facebook comment asking Gonzales to surrender. Gonzales subsequently turned himself in at the QCPD Headquarters. During a press conference on August 28, Gonzales claimed that he had reached an “amicable agreement” with the cyclist to resolve their conflict. However, netizens criticized the press conference, accusing the city police of protecting Gonzales.
In response to the incident, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte called on the cyclist to come forward and coordinate with the city government to file necessary cases. She also ordered an investigation into how the Quezon City Police District handled the case, expressing dissatisfaction with the Galas Police Station for allowing the incident to be quickly resolved through an amicable settlement.
The local government is considering filing various charges such as grave threat, slander by deed, reckless imprudence, physical injuries, and violations of firearms laws once the cyclist comes forward. Mayor Belmonte assured that the cyclist will be provided with legal assistance and announced plans to strengthen the safety of bike lanes and deploy more bike patrols to ensure the protection of cyclists and maintain safer roads.
Torre III confirmed that an alarm and scandal case has already been filed against Gonzales at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on August 29.
