Five men, including two minors, allegedly hit and threatened a Philippine Army reservist in Sampaloc, Manila, Wednesday evening.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Magno Manuel, Information from Manila Police District (MPD) on Thursday identified the victim as Private First Class Domingo Tapar.
According to reports, Tapar was conducting patrol along Mindoro near Rosario Exit together with Private First Class Edgardo Ramirez and barangay tanod Teoderico Ramulte. They then spotted Martin Flores standing outside his home at 8:35 p.m.
Flores then went inside his compound and sat behind a steel gate when he sensed that Tapar’s group would approach him.
The reservist still confronted Flores and asked why he was still outside when it is already past the curfew hour.
Flores allegedly responded sarcastically, prompting Tapa to push him with his arnis stick. Another man identified as Robyn Floyd Flores saw the incident and asked the Army, “Sir, bakit ka mananakit [why are you hurting him]?”
Tapar replied, “Bakit ka nakikialam [why do you intervene]? Gusto mo ikaw ang kunin ko [do you want me to take you instead]?”
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Army reservist hit, threatened by 5 men in Sampaloc
Martin and Robyn Flores then dared Tapar to enter their compound.
Police said the Army reservist tried to be calmed and pushed the gate. He then reminded them to follow curfew amid the lockdown.
However, Tapar’s stick accidentally hit the breast of the suspects’ sister, prompting the suspects to hurt the Army reservist.
Two minors also joined the fight while another suspect, identified as Alfredo Gabaldon, held Tapar while the other suspects are beating him.
Authorities reported one of the minors even threatened Tapar saying, “P*tangina mo [you’re son a b****! Papatayin ka namin dito [we will kill you here]!”
Barangay officials responded to the scene, arrested the suspects, and later brought them to the Sampaloc Police Station.
MPD Station 4 spokesman Police Captain Philipp Ines said the two minors were turned over to the station’s women and children protection desk.
The suspects would face charges for alleged violations of Ordinance 8616, Art. 148 (Direct Assault) and Art. 283 (Threat).
Tapar meanwhile only suffered minor injuries and is now ready to go back to work.