KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — A college student is recovering in the hospital after allegedly being attacked and beaten by around 10 men in Barangay Poblacion, Kidapawan City, in the early hours of July 30, prompting renewed calls for justice and raising concerns over public safety following another similar violent incident reported just weeks earlier.
According to information shared by the victim’s family, the victim is a student of North Valley College and a resident of Carmen, Cotabato. He reportedly sustained multiple injuries after allegedly being assaulted by a group of men. He remains under medical care while recovering from the injuries he suffered during the attack.
The family is now appealing to law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, identify everyone involved in the alleged assault, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.
The incident has also sparked widespread concern on social media, where many netizens questioned the safety of residents, particularly students, in Kidapawan City.
One concerned resident addressed an emotional public appeal to Kidapawan City Mayor Paolo “Pao” Evangelista, expressing alarm over what was described as a series of violent attacks involving young people in the city.
In the message, the netizen recalled a previous incident in which a young man from Magpet was allegedly beaten by a group of youths inside a bar in Kidapawan City, an incident that reportedly resulted in the victim’s death. The writer lamented the lack of updates regarding that case and questioned whether students can still safely attend school and return home without fear of becoming victims of violence.
The appeal urged the city government to act swiftly to prevent further incidents of assault and violence, emphasizing that parents should not have to worry whether their children will return home safely after going to school.
The latest incident has reignited public discussion about peace and order in the city, with residents calling for stronger law enforcement visibility, stricter implementation of public safety measures, and decisive action against individuals involved in violent crimes.
As of this writing, authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, including the motive behind the attack, the identities of the suspected assailants, or whether arrests have been made.
The investigation remains ongoing, while the victim’s family continues to seek justice and hopes the case will lead to stronger measures to protect students and other residents from similar acts of violence.