A violent road rage incident in Antipolo City left one person dead and three others wounded, including the suspect’s wife, after a confrontation escalated into a shooting.
The suspect, a 28-year-old businessman named Kenneth, was apprehended following a high-speed chase.
The altercation occurred on Sunday afternoon along Marcos Highway in Barangay San Jose, and while the details of the incident remain under investigation, opinions are divided over the suspect’s actions.
Was it self-defense or reckless aggression? Here’s a closer look at the incident and the responses from both sides.
The Incident: Road Rage Turns Violent
The altercation began when Kenneth, driving a black Toyota Fortuner, got into a dispute with a motorcyclist. According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation escalated when the motorcyclist approached Kenneth, resulting in a physical altercation.
Amid the heated exchange, Kenneth allegedly feared for his safety after the motorcyclist pulled out a gun.
Kenneth’s response was swift—he allegedly drew his own weapon, firing several shots killing one and injuring three individuals. The 52-year-old motorcyclist, identified as “Peter, was shot in the head who was in critical condition and eventually died.
The 22-year-old son of Peter, Patrick, was shot in the right arm, and a 29-year-old man, Davis, was shot in the chest while attempting to intervene.
In a shocking turn, Kenneth’s wife, who was reportedly in the vehicle with him, was accidentally shot in the thigh during the chaos.
After firing the shots, Kenneth fled the scene, but authorities quickly launched a hot pursuit operation. He was eventually apprehended at a checkpoint in Barangay Mayamot.
Public Outrage: Reckless Violence or Self-Defense?
Many netizens are outraged by Kenneth’s actions, condemning the use of a firearm in response to a road dispute.
Critics argue that regardless of the perceived threat, the escalation of violence was unnecessary, and the suspect should have sought a non-violent resolution.
“The road rage turned deadly because someone couldn’t control their temper,” one commenter wrote.
“This is the result when people bring weapons into everyday situations. There’s no justification for shooting people over an argument.”
Many are particularly appalled by the fact that Kenneth’s wife was also injured in the shooting.
“It’s sickening to see a situation escalate like this, especially when an innocent person—his own wife—gets caught in the crossfire,” another user said.
The Suspect’s Defense: Was It Self-Defense?
However, Kenneth has maintained that he acted out of self-defense. He claims that after being blocked by the motorcyclist, he felt threatened when the rider allegedly pulled out a firearm.
According to Kenneth, he tried to de-escalate the situation, but things turned violent after he and the other men started fighting.
Kenneth said he was only trying to defend himself and his family, and in the heat of the moment, he drew his gun in what he perceived as a life-threatening situation.
His account of the events has been questioned, especially given the lack of evidence supporting his claim that he was being threatened with a gun.
Video footage and eyewitness accounts have not corroborated his story, and authorities are investigating whether the suspect’s response was excessive and justified.
Furthermore, Kenneth was found to be carrying a gun without the proper documentation, as the weapon did not have the necessary permit under the Comprehensive Firearms Law.
Legal Ramifications: What’s Next for the Suspect?
Kenneth now faces multiple charges, including frustrated homicide, violation of the Comprehensive Firearms Law, and violation of the Omnibus Election Code, as the shooting occurred during the election gun ban period. He could also be facing legal action for the injury of his wife.
The Antipolo Police have yet to confirm the full extent of the suspect’s claims, but they have already gathered statements from witnesses who are providing crucial information for the investigation.
This road rage shooting in Antipolo has left the community divided, with many condemning the suspect’s violent response to a traffic dispute. While some defend him, claiming it was a case of self-defense, the situation remains controversial.
As the investigation continues, both sides will likely continue to present differing views, and the case will highlight the ongoing issue of road rage and the use of firearms in confrontational situations.
