3 minors “mauled” over car joke

CEBU, Philippines - Three minors were mauled by two men for laughing at the car of one of the suspects early morning yesterday along Apitong St., Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City.

Bryle Stuart, 21; and Jahn Clinton Gam, 20, a construction supervisor, both residents of La Guardia Ext., Barangay Lahug, were arrested after allegedly beating the three for making fun of their car.

One of the victims, a 16-year-old, said that after attending a wake, he and five friends, all minors, went to buy bread along Gorordo Ave.

When they saw the Volkswagen car of Stuart and Gam parked outside a hotel, he and his friends said “pass bao, pass bao” and laughed at each other.

He added that when the suspects saw them laughing, they got inside their car and one of them took out a fan knife.

When the minors saw the knife they immediately ran away but one of them, a 15-year-old, was caught by Gam.

The 15-year-old said he and a third minor hid near a car establishment. When a security guard said that the suspects were not around anymore, they left their hiding place but were spotted by the suspects.

Gam lifted the 15-year-old and abruptly dropped him to the ground but he managed to run away and get on a cab.

The third minor said the suspects punched him in the face, causing swelling on his forehead and lips, and kicked his legs.

“Human nilag kulata nako ila kung giingnan nga tagaan ko nila’g one thousand unya kun ako dawaton ila kong bunalan og baseball bat”, he said.

After refusing to accept the money the suspects threatened to shoot him and those who saw the incident, he ran to a nearby hotel and hid.

Meanwhile, the suspects allegedly caught the 16-year-old and allegedly hit him with an aluminum baseball bat several times.  The teenager said he asked for forgiveness but Stuart continued hitting him in his right arm and back.

The teenager shouted for help and some vendors came to his aid and hid him where they were sleeping.

According to Kamputhaw Barangay Tanod Romeo Oljol, a concerned citizen who saw the incident called them and reported the incident.

The tanods confronted the suspects who told them the minors were making trouble for them.

When the tanods found a companion of the minors who had not been injured, they asked him what really happened.

Oljol, added that they found the three victims and coordinated with Fuente Police Station.  Oljol, together with tanods Micheal Tibon and Eddie Aventurado brought the victims to the Cebu City Medical Center.

According to PO1 Sheryl Guanco of the Women and Children’s Protection Desk, the suspects may face violation of Republic Act 7610 or Protection Against Child Abuse Act.

Guanco also said attempted homicide might also be filed against the suspects today for hitting the 16-year-old with the bat.

Gam and Stuart refused to answer the media when sought for their statement.  (FREEMAN)