Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday urged the cyclist to come forward in order to file the necessary cases against the retired police officer, who assaulted and threatened him with a firearm near Welcome Rotonda in QC.
"We are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzalez, whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable," Belmonte said in a press release.
She assured that the QC local government will provide legal assistance and protect the cyclist and his family to guarantee that justice is served.
Belmonte said possible complaints of Grave Threat, Slander by Deed, Reckless Imprudence, Physical Injuries, Violations of RA 10591 or absence of a License to Own and Possess a Firearm; and absence of Permit to Carry will be filed against Gonzales.
The QC Mayor emphasized that she will not let the case be "whitewashed" or censored.
"This culture of impunity is not acceptable in QC and I have a duty and responsibility to maintain peace and order in our city and to send a strong message that acts such as those committed shall not be tolerated and that he must be held accountable," Belmonte said.
In a press conference on Sunday, after the incident went viral on social media, Gonzales claimed he and the cyclist had agreed to make amends.
"Ako at ang seklista, pumunta kami sa police station kung saan kami ay nagkausap at nagkapatawaran at nagkasundo na kalimutan ang nangyari," the retired cop said, adding that there is an existing written agreement between them.
However, according to lawyer Raymond Fortun, the victim was forced to sign the agreement and admit that he was the one who did wrong.
"Di lang yon — pinagbayad pa sya ng ₱500 dahil nagasgasan nya ang sasakyan ng ex-pulis," he added.
Fortun likewise mentioned that the vlogger, who uploaded the video of the incident, received a threat which was why the video cannot be accessed anymore on social media.
