Mayor Wes Gatchalian and Police Maj. Randy Llanderal present to members of media Marlon Malabute, the armed SUV driver implicated in the traffic altercation. (Photo courtesy: Valenzuela PIO)
MANILA, (PIA) -- In response to the recent road rage incident that transpired in Barangay Punturin, Valenzuela City, on August 19, 2023, Mayor Wes Gatchalian and Police Maj. Randy Llanderal presented Marlon Malabute, the armed SUV driver implicated in the altercation, to the public on Wednesday, September 13.
The presentation followed Malabute's voluntary surrender of the firearm he used during the incident on Tuesday, September 12.
On Monday, September 11, the taxi driver involved in the incident, Henry Ong Jr., spoke publicly about the matter. Ong Jr. addressed the impact of the altercation on his health and the safety of his family. Consequently, Marlon Malabute now faces charges of grave threat, coercion, and alarm and scandal, which have been filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office.
Malabute, accompanied by his legal counsel, appeared at the press conference where he surrendered his firearm. During the conference, Malabute refrained from disclosing specific details of the altercation that led him to draw his firearm, citing an intention to present a comprehensive account during the legal proceedings. He remained unapologetic, prompting Mayor Wes Gatchalian to express his disappointment.
"Alam niyo po, dito sa Valenzuela kasi, sa aming lungsod, tahimik po kami rito. Bihira po kaming magkaroon ng insidente ng mga siga na naglalabas ng baril. Halos wala kaming insidente, siguro mayroon man dito, mga murahan, bumaba sa kotse (You know, here in Valenzuela, we are peaceful here. We rarely have road conflicts that involve gun-toting. We have almost no incidents, maybe there are some here, but more of the the usual road scenarios," Mayor Wes said, underscoring the city's commitment to peace and order.
The dash cam footage of the incident, originally shared by cycling advocate and Attorney Raymond Fortun, clearly identified Malabute as the suspect. The video showed Malabute exiting his vehicle, advancing towards the taxi driver, brandishing his gun, and pointing it at him. After a physical confrontation with Ong Jr., Malabute fled the scene.
In an effort to gain a fuller understanding of the incident, authorities acquired closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage depicting events leading up to the altercation. This video revealed that Malabute had been driving recklessly, attempting to overtake the taxicab driven by Ong Jr. The situation escalated when Malabute collided with the taxi, eventually leading to the menacing display of his firearm.
To expedite the investigation and locate those involved, the Valenzuela City Police established four tracker teams under the directive of Mayor Wes Gatchalian. Through their efforts, it was determined that the taxi driver resides in Brgy. Bignay, while Malabute is a resident of Tondo.
Further inquiry revealed that Malabute is the third registered owner of the Toyota SUV implicated in the road rage incident. The previous owner, Ryan Cruz, confirmed his identity as the individual in the viral video. Authorities promptly visited the given address but were unable to locate him there. It was, however, discovered that Cruz possesses a valid license for a specific Girsan 9 mm pistol.
Malabute's legal team has announced their intention to file a counter affidavit against Henry Ong Jr., with the aim of proving his innocence. They emphasize their commitment to let the court decide on the matter, ensuring a fair and impartial resolution to the case. (PIA-NCR)
