BARANGAY Lahug tanods (watchmen) responded to an alarm about a man acting wildly in the middle of the road along Salinas Drive in Cebu City around 4 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
Upon arrival, the tanods found the man rolling on the road, shouting incoherently, and unclothed -- causing disturbance in the area.
The man was identified as alias “Joey,” 25, a resident of Kinasang-an, Pardo, but was reportedly roaming around Barangays Lahug and Apas after being estranged from his family.
According to the tanods and initial witnesses, Joey suddenly became hysterical after failing to get P90 and some food he was asking for.
He even attempted to block vehicles, reportedly wanting to be run over and end his life.
When authorities talked to him, Joey revealed that it was his birthday that day and he had hoped to get food to celebrate.
However, he claimed to have heard insulting remarks from people who saw him, which triggered his depression and led to the commotion.
Joey also said that he had previously stayed at a rehabilitation center and an orphanage, but eventually escaped, saying he could no longer endure life there and chose instead to wander the streets.
One tanod gave Joey P100 to help calm him down.
This gesture appeared to work, as Joey eventually sat by the roadside and listened to the authorities’ advice, gradually regaining composure.
By the time this report was made, a friend had come to take Joey and provided him with clothes, since he refused to be turned over to a shelter, an option originally planned by the authorities. (JDG)