Eight officers of the Antipolo City Police were recognized for the immediate arrest of the man who shot three people and accidentally injured his wife in a road rage incident in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo on Sunday, March 30.
Philippine National Police (PNP) director Gen. Rommel Marbil said the cops — Lieutenant Orlando Santos, Chief Master Sergeant Rannel Cruz, Corporal Kaveen-John Vea, Corporal Joeban Abendaño, Corporal Niño Chavez, Patrolman Reylan de Chavez, Patrolman Michael Keith Panganiban and Patrolman John Marc Manahan — were awarded with the Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Merit) for their quick response to the incident.
Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) director Col. Felipe Maraggun on Monday, March 21, said charges of frustrated homicide, violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, as well as the election gun ban will be filed against the suspect.
He added the police are still investigating if the suspect has a permit to carry firearms as he claimed yesterday after his arrest.
The suspect failed to produce a Certificate of Authority from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to carry a firearm amid the gun ban.
Videos of the shooting incident and the subsequent arrest of the suspect went viral o social media.
Maraggun also belied Kenneth’s claim that he was forced to use his pistol against the victims as one of them was about to pull out one, saying that no such incident was captured on CCTV and witnesses’ video footage of the altercation.
The son of the rider who was shot said his father does not have a gun with him during the incident.
Based on the police report, the shooting incident occurred at around 5 p.m. along Marcos Highway in Barangay San Jose after the suspect, who was driving a black Toyota Fortuner, allegedly cut the way dangerously close to a motorcycle rider.
The rider, together with other motorcycle riders, chased Kenneth and a fistfight ensued near a cafe where they stopped.
During the fight, the suspect pulled out a gun and fired shots, hitting four individuals, including his partner.
One of the victims was shot in the heat while the others sustained bullet wounds in part of their bodies.
Maraggun said three of the victims were already discharged from the hospital while the one shot in the head underwent surgery.
Kenneth was nabbed at a checkpoint in Masinag, Barangay Mayamot, following a hot pursuit operation.
Meanwhile, Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares reminded motorists to stay calm on the road.
“Lamig ng ulo sa daan ang kailangan. Drive safely, Antipolo. Hindi mahalaga kung sino ang tama at sino ang mali. Keep your cool all the time. It’s not worth it. Ipaubaya po sa Diyos ang lahat,” he said. (Richielyn Canlas, Patrick Garcia)
