Man who Poked Gun at Taxi Driver in Valenzuela City Surrenders to Mayor
On Tuesday, September 12, a man who allegedly brandished a gun at a taxi driver during a road rage incident in Valenzuela City surrendered to Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian. The incident occurred on August 19, and the suspect, Marlon Malabute, turned himself in after his license to carry a firearm was revoked by the Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO).
Mayor Gatchalian had urged Malabute to surrender on Monday, September 11, following the revocation of his firearm license. The road rage incident took place around 1 a.m. when Malabute’s SUV collided with the taxi of Henry Ong Jr. on Faustino St. in Barangay Puturin. A video clip of the altercation was widely shared on social media, depicting Malabute shoving and pointing a gun at Ong.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Gatchalian announced that the firearm used in the incident is now in the custody of the FEO. Malabute, however, declined to answer questions from the media during the conference. His lawyer, Eliza Barquez, stated that they will respond to the accusations against Malabute in the appropriate legal forum.
Valenzuela police have confirmed that Malabute was the owner of the vehicle involved in the incident, based on a backtrack investigation. “We had a backtrack investigation, and it turns out that he was the last owner of the Fortuner,” said Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) deputy chief Maj. Randy Llanderal.
Mayor Gatchalian expressed his outrage over the incident, stating, “It’s irritating, frustrating”. He commended the Valenzuela police for their prompt action and emphasized that such crimes and individuals are not tolerated in Valenzuela City. The mayor also highlighted the strict implementation of motor vehicle regulations and local ordinances in the city, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior from all motorists.
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