10-2-2025 (MANILA) A horrific assault on a motorcycle taxi operator was captured on CCTV footage in the early hours of Saturday morning, leaving the victim hospitalised with severe abdominal injuries.
The violent incident unfolded shortly after 3am along a street in Barangay Kinasang-an Pardo, where the 33-year-old habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) driver was stationed whilst waiting for potential customers.
According to preliminary investigations by local law enforcement, the confrontation began when an unidentified male approached the driver and provocatively took photographs of him using a mobile phone. This action sparked a heated exchange between the two men, which rapidly escalated into physical violence.
Distressing surveillance footage shows the assailant pinning the driver to the tarmac whilst wielding what appears to be a bladed weapon. The victim can be seen desperately attempting to defend himself during the savage attack.
Detective Inspector Maria Santos of the Cebu City Police told reporters: “The victim is currently receiving medical treatment for substantial stab wounds to his abdominal region. His condition is stable, but he remains under close observation.”
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrator, who fled the scene immediately after the assault. Police are reviewing additional CCTV footage from surrounding areas and interviewing potential witnesses to establish the attacker’s identity.
