25-1-2025 (MANILA) Two 17-year-old boys in the early hours of Friday morning has raised serious concerns about youth safety in Manila’s Sta. Mesa district. The incident, captured on CCTV footage at approximately 3:30 AM along Ramon Magsaysay Street, shows what appears to be an unprovoked attack by a group of men on the teenagers.
According to surveillance footage, the victims were walking with three companions when they encountered the assailants, who crossed the street before launching their attack. The first victim, wearing a white t-shirt, was struck without warning, whilst his companions fled the scene. The attackers then pursued a second youth in a white sweatshirt, who was knocked to the ground and subjected to a brutal assault involving multiple punches and kicks.
Barangay 593 Secretary Michael Garcia suggests the incident may be gang-related, noting that the attackers appeared to be lying in wait for their victims. “Based on their behaviour and statements, both groups had been drinking,” Garcia told our correspondent. However, this claim was firmly rejected by Melinda Lacanaria, mother of one of the victims, who maintains her son and his friends were simply searching for food after visiting a classmate’s grandfather.
“My son couldn’t possibly have enemies here—we’re from Nueva Ecija and are merely visitors to the area,” Lacanaria explained, visibly distressed. She further alleged that the attackers were armed with knives and attempted to steal her son’s mobile phone.
After a two-hour search following the attack, one victim was discovered lying in the road, suffering from severe injuries. “They kicked him in the head and stomach,” Lacanaria recounted, describing the brutality witnessed in the CCTV footage. The youth was subsequently taken to the police station for medical examination, having difficulty moving his jaw and complaining of severe headaches.
The second victim, whilst also injured in the attack, was fortunately able to attend school the following day.
Local authorities have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, with the victims’ families committed to pursuing legal action. The barangay administration has pledged to enhance night-time security measures in response to the incident.
