TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — The Tagum City Police Station (TCPS) has denied allegations of police brutality after a video showing officers forcefully restraining and arresting a man along Orchard Bypass Road went viral on social media over the weekend.
The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of June 21, 2026, generated mixed reactions online after a Facebook video circulated claiming that police officers had allegedly mauled a civilian during an arrest. However, police officials insist that the arrest was lawful and carried out only after the individual allegedly resisted authorities and interfered with an ongoing police operation.
In an official statement, Tagum City Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Police Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo G. Bahan, clarified that the incident stemmed from a police response to reports of illegal drag racing activities along Orchard Bypass Road.
According to Bahan, the police received a complaint from a concerned citizen at approximately 4:17 p.m. regarding a suspected drag race involving several motorcycle riders. In response, Mobile Patrol units and motorcycle police officers were immediately dispatched to the area to verify the report and prevent any potential danger to motorists and residents.
Upon arrival, officers reportedly held several individuals believed to be involved in the alleged illegal racing activity for questioning and investigation. While police were conducting interviews and gathering information, an unidentified man allegedly inserted himself into the situation despite not being among those initially being investigated.
Bahan said officers attempted to prevent the man from disrupting the operation and advised him not to interfere with police procedures. However, according to the police account, the individual became confrontational, repeatedly challenging officers and declaring that he was not afraid of the police.
The situation escalated when the man allegedly pushed one of the officers who approached him in an effort to calm him down.
“As part of our duty and in accordance with legal procedures, our personnel were compelled to place the individual under arrest after he resisted and displayed aggressive behavior toward responding officers,” Bahan explained.
Police said the man continued to resist during the arrest, prompting several officers to physically restrain him to prevent him from escaping and to ensure the safety of everyone at the scene.
The footage, which quickly gained traction on social media, showed officers bringing the man to the ground while attempting to subdue him. The video’s caption accused the police of physically assaulting the suspect, a claim strongly denied by the Tagum City Police Station.
Bahan emphasized that the officers involved did not inflict unnecessary harm on the individual and merely employed lawful restraint techniques necessary to effect the arrest.
“The allegation that the arrested individual was beaten by police officers is false. Our personnel only performed their duties and followed proper arrest procedures under the law,” he said.
The police chief also appealed to the public to exercise caution before sharing unverified information online, warning that misleading posts can fuel misinformation and undermine public trust in law enforcement agencies.
The incident has reignited public discussions on police use of force, particularly in situations involving resistance during arrests. While some netizens criticized the manner in which the arrest was carried out, others expressed support for the police response, citing the dangers posed by illegal drag racing and the need for authorities to maintain peace and order.
Illegal drag racing has long been a concern in several urban areas due to the risks it poses to motorists, pedestrians, and nearby communities. Law enforcement agencies continue to conduct operations aimed at curbing the activity and preventing road accidents linked to unauthorized street racing.
Despite the controversy, Bahan reaffirmed the commitment of the Tagum City Police Station to uphold the law while respecting human rights and adhering to the policies and standards of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“We remain committed to maintaining peace and order while ensuring that all police actions are conducted in accordance with the law, due process, and respect for human rights,” Bahan said.
As of this writing, authorities have not released the identity of the arrested individual, and no formal complaint has been filed against the officers involved in the incident.