A MALE teenager was physically assaulted by a group of at least 11 individuals after he intervened to defend his mother from verbal harassment.
The victim, 18, was accompanying a classmate home around 11:30 p.m. near Pakpakan Road, Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, on Monday, August 4, 2025, when the group suddenly attacked him.
The victim’s mother, Kristine (real name withheld), said the assault stemmed from a prior encounter in July when she refused to give the group free soup at her workplace.
Kristine claimed the group cursed at her, prompting her son to confront them.
The teenager sustained multiple injuries, including bruises to his mouth, knee, hip, and head. He also reported feeling dizzy and unwell after the attack.
The family contacted local authorities on August 5 and expressed their intent to pursue legal action.
Basak Gender and Development focal person Joan Bolondro said Barangay Basak Captain Jasmine Marie Chan would assist with the victim’s medical needs.
She also confirmed that two minors, aged 16 and 14, have been apprehended in connection with the assault.
The two minors are residents of Suba Masulog, Basak, and Sudtunggan, Basak, respectively.
In an interview, the 16-year-old suspect admitted to being present during the assault but denied involvement, claiming he only picked up a knife he found near a chapel.
The 14-year-old suspect, who had been released from home care on August 1 after a theft case, said he was merely an observer.
The two minors are set to be placed under home care pending guardian approval, while authorities continue their efforts to track down the remaining nine individuals involved.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on August 2, three minors aged 12 to 13 were placed in home care after allegedly assaulting another 13-year-old girl over a love triangle dispute.
The incident, which was caught on camera, drew the attention of Chan, prompting the placement of the minors in a home care facility for disciplinary action.
As of August 5, Bolondro said local authorities are still searching for a fourth suspect involved in the alleged assault. (DPC)