Frustrated murder eyed vs. SUV owner in Antipolo road rage

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

Lucas identified the 28-year-old suspect as alias “Kenneth” who shot four people, including a motorcycle rider who, along with other riders, ganged up on him during the road altercation that stemmed from a heated argument along Marcos Highway in Sitio Calumpang, Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City. (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 4A (Calabarzon) will file frustrated murder and violation of the election gun ban charges against the sports utility vehicle (SUV) owner who wounded four people in a viral road rage incident that escalated into a shooting in Antipolo City on Sunday.

“Frustrated murder yung initially na ikakaso natin (The initial case we will file is frustrated murder),” PRO-4A Director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas said in a media interview on Monday.

“Kakasuhan din natin siya ng violation of Omnibus Election Code dahil yung baril niya is wala naman exemption galing sa Comelec (We will also charge him with violation of the Omnibus Election Code because his gun does not have an exemption from the Comelec).”

Lucas identified the 28-year-old suspect as alias “Kenneth” who shot four people, including a motorcycle rider who, along with other riders, ganged up on him during the road altercation that stemmed from a heated argument along Marcos Highway in Sitio Calumpang, Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City.

He said two of the victims have been discharged, one is still recovering, and another one will undergo surgery at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has started its investigation to determine what triggered the altercation.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said show cause orders (SCO) were issued to the shooter and three motorcycle riders to appear before the LTO as part of the investigation.

“Maging responsible at magbaon ng napakaraming pasensya kapag nasa kalsada. Marami na tayong naparusahan dahil sa road rage at marami na ang nasira ang buhay dahil sa road rage (Be responsible and be overly patient when on the road. We have already punished so many people, and many have ruined their lives due to road rage),” he said in a statement.

Cops awarded

Meanwhile, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil awarded Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Merit) to the eight Antipolo cops for arresting the suspect who attempted to flee on board his Toyota Fortuner.

Awarded are Lt. Orlando Santos, Chief Master Sgt. Rannel Cruz, Corporals Kaveen-John Vea, Joeban Abendaño, and Niño Chavez; and Patrolmen Reylan De Chavez, Michael Keith Panganiban, and John Marc Manahan.

“Our police officers’ quick response prevented further harm and ensured that the suspect was immediately brought to justice. This is the kind of professionalism and dedication that the PNP upholds. We remain committed to protecting our communities and ensuring that justice prevails,” Marbil said.

Marbil said he is looking into imposing a lifetime gun ban on owners who violate Comelec rules on the prohibition of carrying firearms during the election period.

The nationwide gun ban for the May 12 mid-term polls started on Jan. 12 and will end on June 11.

The latest PNP data showed that over 1,900 persons were apprehended for violating the Comelec gun ban. (with a report from Raymond Carl dela Cruz/PNA)