CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A suspected member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is facing a complaint after allegedly slapping young men who were hanging out and playing in Zone 5, Barangay Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City, on Sunday evening, October 18.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after 8 p.m., prompting the youths to consider seeking formal action against the alleged assailant, identified as Jun, who was accused of physically confronting them during the encounter.
According to the initial account from Cugman Police Station 10, the youths alleged that the Coast Guard personnel, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, became angry after believing that they were staring at or teasing one of his companions.
Nathaniel, one of the youths involved in the incident, denied that they had mocked or made inappropriate remarks about a visitor who was reportedly visiting Jun’s nephew. He maintained that they were merely spending time together and playing when the confrontation happened.
The mother of the alleged assailant, however, offered a different account, saying her son became upset after he believed the youths had teased or made fun of his nephew’s visitor.
The conflicting accounts have raised questions about what triggered the confrontation, with the youths disputing the allegation that they had deliberately insulted the visitor.
Initial reports indicated that both the alleged Coast Guard personnel and the youths had consumed alcohol before the incident. The young men were reportedly gathered in the area to hang out and play when the confrontation occurred.
Three youths who allegedly suffered the slaps have expressed their determination to visit the Philippine Coast Guard office to formally report the incident and seek an investigation into the conduct of the personnel involved.
Police said the complaint had been referred to the Coast Guard office for further investigation and verification of the allegations.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events leading to the alleged physical assault and the conflicting statements from the parties involved.
The allegations against the suspected Coast Guard member have yet to be conclusively established. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the facts of the incident and whether administrative or other appropriate action is warranted.