Image from Gardo Versoza’s Instagram, Facebook video
Actor Gardo Versoza has added his voice to the growing list of critics who were appalled by the act of a former policeman who cocked his gun at a cyclist after unintentionally ramming his bike against his vehicle.
A video of the altercation between former police officer identified as Wilfredo “Willy” Gonzales and the cyclist whose name was withheld for safety reasons was uploaded on social media and has since gone viral, resulting in the apprehension of the car owner.
Weighing in on the matter? In an Instagram post, Versoza posted a screengrab of the incident as Gonzales was in the act of cocking his gun. Versoza berated the former cop for his action, saying that he could have talked to the cyclist without resorting to violence.
“Hhmmnnnnnnn tsk tsk tsk. Kausapin mo sana, wag mong kasahan ng baril (You should have talked to him, there’s no need to cock your gun at him),” said Versoza, a biking enthusiast.
“Di mo ‘yan dapat binabandera at pinagyayabang (A gun is not something you display and brag about),” said the actor, who’s also part of a bikers group which has previously conducted charity rides.
In another Instagram post, he posted a parody photo of the car owner, but this time, holding a guitar, instead of a gun. He captioned his post with Christmas tree emojis that even fellow actors Jake Cuenca and Sue Ramirez found funny.
Screenshot from Instagram / Gardo Versoza
Gonzales’ actions have prompted the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to place his driver’s license under a 90-day preventive suspension.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) — in a statement — announced that its “Firearms and Explosives Office has issued an order of revocation of LTOPF (license to own and possess firearm) and firearms licenses against an individual who drew his firearm, loaded and pointed it towards an unarmed cyclist near Welcome Rotonda on August 8, 2023.” Furthermore, the ex-cop’s firearms have also been confiscated by the FEO.
Earlier, Atty. Raymond Fortun, who has spoken to the cyclist, shared in a Facebook post that the man has expressed concern for his and his family’s safety. The lawyer also uploaded a screenshot of their conversation, where the cyclist shared his side of what took place after the recorded portion of the incident. EDV