The road rage incident involving a taxi driver and an SUV driver that happened in Faustino St., Barangay Punturin, Valenzuela City, on August 19, 2023, 1:00 in the morning, is being investigated by the Valenzuela Police Station. The SUV driver who pointed the gun in the altercation is being sought after by the authorities. He was eventually identified as Marlon Malabute.

In a video posted by lawyer Raymond Fortun on social media, an advocate for cyclists, Malabute can be seen stepping out of his SUV, running towards the taxi driver, pulling a gun, and threatening to shoot him. The taxi driver was then shoved by the SUV driver, who then stumbled. Malabute then rushed to his car and left the scene. The taxi driver was identified as Henry Ong Jr. who lives in Brgy. Bignay, Valenzuela City. 

In another closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage acquired by the police, it can be seen that the SUV was running fast and attempted to overtake the taxicab. This is where he hit the said taxicab and the commotion started when he pulled out a gun after running into the taxi driver.

The license plate number (NBB-3135) of the SUV Malabute was driving was clearly captured on the video, allowing the authorities to have a lead in the identification of the suspect's whereabouts. Based from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) records, Malabute was the third owner of the vehicle, which the investigators checked with. Junelyn Butler, who had previously owned it, sold it to Ryan Cruz. Malabute later purchased it from Cruz.

The authorities immediately headed to Malabute's residence as Cruz's live-in partner confirmed that he is indeed the man in the viral video driving the SUV. However, when the investigators searched the Caloocan and Tondo, Manila addresses they had obtained, Malabute was nowhere to be found.

The Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) also verified that Malabute is a licensed gun owner and the registered owner of a caliber 9mm pistol Girsan.

In response, the Valenzuela City Police organized four tracker teams to pursue and locate the offender as soon as possible. The authorities also urged the public to report any information they may have that can speed up the investigation.

In an interview, Mayor WES Gatchalian reminded everyone of the privilege and responsibility that comes with having a license to own a firearm. He stated, “Nais po nating ipaalala sa lahat ng gun owners na ang license na ibinigay po ng gobyerno is a privilege.  You know, 'yung mga ganito [pagkakaroon lisensya] is a privilege na binibigay to a chosen few. [Sana'y] gamitin po natin ito nang wasto.” [We want to remind all gun owners that the license given by the government is a privilege. You know, having a gun license is a privilege given to a chosen few, So we hope you use it properly]

On the other hand, the City Government of Valenzuela led by Mayor WES, also intends to intensify the checkpoints due to the incident that occurred, even though a gun ban is currently being implemented in the city that will last until November 29. The City Mayor ordered the authorities to position additional checkpoints on the roads connected to the neighboring cities of Valenzuela.

As of reporting, Malabute is still being sought for questioning regarding the incident. If Malabute is proven guilty, he will be charged with Grave threat.

It can be recalled that a similar incident also occurred in Quezon City last month. A video posted online went viral showing an ex-policeman threatening a cyclist with a gun in a middle of a traffic altercation.

Mayor WES, together with the Valenzuela City Police and the local government, affirms his commitment to ensure the safety and welfare of the Pamilyang Valenzuelano, and vows that crimes like this will not go unpunished.

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