ZAMBOANGA CITY – A video showing a disturbing altercation among minors at the covered court of Barangay Cabatangan has gone viral on social media, prompting swift action from local authorities and concerned agencies.
The footage, which has rapidly circulated online, shows a group of young individuals ganging up on another student, who is reportedly a resident of the barangay. The video is believed to have been uploaded by one of the individuals involved, further fueling public concern and outrage.
Barangay officials immediately coordinated with Zamboanga City Police Station 7, led by Officer-in-Charge PCPT Ariel S. Cabanlong, to investigate the incident, which took place on July 11, 2025, around 4:15 PM.
Responding promptly, the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), in collaboration with Ms. Girlie Lozano, focal person of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), initiated an inquiry. Initial findings confirmed that all those involved in the incident are minors.
The case has since been endorsed to the BCPC, which has successfully identified the minors involved. A child-sensitive dialogue and confrontation session is now being arranged with the parties and their respective parents or guardians, ensuring appropriate interventions are made in line with child welfare and protection protocols.
In response to the incident, Zamboanga City Police Station 7 has also announced plans to intensify its information and education campaigns. Preventive awareness and intervention activities will be rolled out in local schools as a proactive measure to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Barangay Cabatangan officials have assured the public that accountability measures will be taken, while police authorities reaffirm their commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and child-friendly environment in partnership with schools, communities, and barangay leaders.