KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — What authorities believe may have been a case of mistaken identity left two student relatives hospitalized after they were allegedly ambushed and brutally beaten by four youths while on their way to school on the morning of July 22, 2026, in Kidapawan City.
According to the initial police investigation, the victims were traveling on an XRM motorcycle when they were suddenly intercepted by four suspects. Investigators said the attack may have stemmed from a case of mistaken identity, as there was no immediate indication that the victims had any personal dispute with their assailants.
Instead of a brief confrontation, the suspects allegedly launched a violent assault, repeatedly striking the victims with a brass knuckle before throwing them into a roadside canal.
The two students sustained multiple injuries, including bruises and wounds to the head and different parts of their bodies. They were later rushed to a hospital after a passing tricycle driver found them bloodied and in need of immediate medical attention.
The victims, identified only by the aliases “Jed” and “Jay” because they are students, are relatives and both attend a national high school in Kidapawan City.
The incident has sparked outrage among the victims’ family, who are demanding justice and accountability for what they described as a senseless act of violence.
In a social media post, the victims’ aunt, Mary Joy Tomonas Eran, questioned how her nephews could have suffered such a brutal attack only to be told afterward that it was allegedly a case of “mistaken identity.”
“What was my nephews’ fault for them to be beaten like this? They just told us it was a case of mistaken identity? Saying sorry is easy, but what about the damage you caused? It is not only physical damage, but emotional trauma as well, and it has affected their education. Was it just for fun? You’re already old enough to know right from wrong. Are you happy after hurting innocent people?”
The family is also appealing for financial assistance to help cover the victims’ medical expenses while preparing to pursue criminal charges against those responsible.
Police confirmed that two of the suspects, both minors, have already been turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in accordance with juvenile justice procedures. Meanwhile, authorities are continuing their manhunt for another suspect who reportedly is already of legal age and remains at large. Investigators are also working to determine the identities and participation of all individuals involved in the assault.
The case has raised fresh concerns over youth violence and the use of improvised or prohibited weapons in street assaults. While investigators are pursuing the “mistaken identity” angle, authorities emphasized that such a claim does not diminish criminal liability if evidence establishes that the victims were unlawfully attacked.
As of the latest information, the Kidapawan City Police continue to build the case against the suspects as the victims recover from their injuries.
The incident has also renewed calls from the public for stricter intervention against violent youth-related crimes, stressing that innocent students should be able to travel to and from school without fear of becoming victims of random and brutal attacks.