THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has dismissed speculations about the presence of the so-called “ligis-bayad” extortion scheme in the city, following a viral video showing a man crawling under a vehicle during a traffic stop earlier this week.
The incident, which occurred on the evening of April 22, 2025, in Buhangin, showed the man allowing himself to be run over by a vehicle, has raised concerns online about a possible scam. However, DCPO clarified that there is no such scheme in the city.
According to DCPO spokesperson Capt. Hazel Tuazon, during the Davao City Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing on April 24, the investigation by the Buhangin Police Station revealed that the man involved is mentally challenged.
She said the individual left home unnoticed by both family members and neighbors, and had been taking prescribed medication. Authorities have requested medical records from the family’s attending physician and are awaiting the results of a psychiatric evaluation.
Tuazon stressed that the case is isolated and not linked to any money-extortion schemes. She emphasized that no sane individual would intentionally put themselves in danger to earn money.
Meanwhile, authorities also reported that the family of the victim, identified only as alias “Rick,” has decided not to press charges against the driver involved in the incident. According to a report from the Traffic Section of the Buhangin Police Station, both parties reached an amicable settlement at the police precinct shortly after the incident.
The owner of the pickup truck has shouldered all medical expenses for Rick, who is currently receiving treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). DEF