Two groups of youngsters were filmed as they engaged in a brawl outside an establishment in Brgy. Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu on Sunday, June 16. | Screenshot from Liloan MPS FB video
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Law enforcers have filed appropriate charges against the 10 individuals involved in a brawl between youngsters in Liloan town, northern Cebu last Sunday, June 16.
The Liloan brawl, which went viral online, happened at around 4:30 a.m. outside an eating and drinking establishment in Brgy. Poblacion.
Police Major Windell Abellana, public information officer of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), recalled that the incident stemmed from an altercation between a group of youngsters.
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The victims, who were teens, were reportedly drinking at the time of the incident.
When the victims left onboard motorcycles, a group of around 20 individuals allegedly went after them and threw rocks.
The suspects were believed to be members of a local gang, said Abellana.
One of the assailants allegedly targeted the victims’ heads with a steel tube, causing them to fall down.
The victims were brought to a nearby hospital for immediate medical treatment.
Meanwhile, 10 suspects of the Liloan brawl were arrested and 3 minors were rescued on Sunday evening.
They were reportedly positively identified by the victims and were brought to the Liloan Police Station.
Three days later or on Wednesday, June 19, police have filed charges of tumultuous affray and alarms and scandals against the adult suspects of the Liloan brawl.
The minors, on the other hand, were turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office in the town.
Following this incident, the CPPO provincial director has instructed law enforcers in Liloan to be in close coordination with the local government.
They were also told to coordinate with the MSWD as their personnel could aid in the intervention during night time.
Abellana explained that in order to prevent incidents such as the Liloan brawl, they have to evaluate the establishments that are catering to minors in search of alcohol.
“That would be part of the evaluation and recommendation sa atoang pulis…kay if that would be established, mao man gyud nay reason nganong ang ilahang permit to operate would be cancelled by the LGU. Pwede pud na siya nga approach administratively,” he stated.
Abellana also urged parents to help the authorities in their efforts to keep the town peaceful by making sure that their children are home at night.
Otherwise, the parents or guardians could face charges for neglecting their young kids.
“It’s a wake up call, di lang sa Liloan but to other municipalities and cities in the province nga istreghthen ang kani nga proactive approach. At the same time, enforce well sa atoang mga kaning mga ordinansa nga maglimit sa atong minors during wee hours,” added Abellana as a way to prevent si ilar incidents such as the Liloan brawl from recurring.