Barangay Personnel to Face Charges After Alleged Assault of 3 Minors in Tondo
Several barangay personnel face complaints after alleged assault of four people including three minors in Tondo, Manila.
The incident reportedly began when a barangay executive officer (Ex-O) approached and took a 21-year-old man who was sitting on a motorcycle with friends. According to those involved, the young man was not brought to the barangay hall.
Instead, he was taken to a birthday gathering where the barangay captain was present. Concerned about what happened, the man’s father, sibling, and several neighbors followed to ask why he had been taken to a drinking session in an alley instead of the barangay hall.
The tension quickly arose after the group was reportedly told to leave. The situation later escalated into a fistfight between the barangay Ex-O and one of the neighbors.
A cellphone video that later circulated showed the confrontation, including a physical altercation between the barangay official and one of the companions of the young man. Broken bottles were also seen during the commotion.
Friends of the 21-year-old admitted that they had previously been warned by barangay officials for allegedly loitering and making noise earlier in September. However, they said they were confused about why their friend was suddenly taken away that night.
After the first incident settled down, the group went to the barangay hall to file a complaint. They claimed that instead of being assisted immediately, they were advised to return the following day to make a blotter report.
While heading home, they allegedly encountered several barangay personnel again at a nearby corner. It led to another confrontation that reportedly resulted in injuries. Three minors who were said to be merely watching the situation were among those hurt.
The victims also alleged that one minor was slapped, while others were threatened with a firearm and an ice pick. CCTV footage from the area reportedly showed individuals involved in the second incident, including a barangay tanod whose actions became part of the investigation.
Barangay officials declined to face the media but denied allegations that a firearm had been discharged. They also said they were prepared to answer the accusations in court.
The victims have already filed formal complaints against a barangay councilor, an executive officer, and a barangay tanod. Meanwhile, the Manila Police District continues its investigation into the incident.
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