LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Police are investigating an assault involving a fish vendor in Barangay Balas after the September 10, 2026 incident was initially described as a holdup allegedly carried out by a tricycle driver who reportedly struck the victim on the head.
The victim was identified as Gamal Timol, a resident of Barangay Balas. Initial accounts of the incident said Timol was riding a tricycle along the highway in the barangay on Thursday night, September 10, when he was allegedly attacked by the driver.
The initial report claimed that the driver took money from Timol that was supposedly intended to purchase fish for his vending activity. Timol reportedly sustained an injury to his head and was subsequently assisted by a rubber tiller working near the area where the incident allegedly occurred.
However, the Lamitan City Police Station has cautioned against immediately classifying the incident as a holdup, saying investigators have yet to establish that robbery or theft actually took place.
Lamitan City Police Chief Lt. Col. Vladimir Hilarion said the initial police investigation found no reported loss of money, property, or personal belongings from Timol that could substantiate a robbery allegation.
“We cannot conclude that it was a holdup because, based on the initial investigation, there was no reported property, money, or personal belonging taken from the victim,” Hilarion said.
The police chief explained that while Timol initially alleged that he had been held up, investigators must independently establish what actually happened based on statements, physical circumstances, and other available evidence.
Police are therefore examining other possible angles and motives behind the assault. Investigators are expected to validate Timol’s account, determine the circumstances leading to the reported attack, and identify the person allegedly responsible.
The identity and whereabouts of the tricycle driver had not been established by police based on the information available at the time of reporting.
The conflicting accounts underscore the need for caution in describing the September 10 incident. While the initial report characterized the attack as a holdup and alleged that money was taken, the police investigation, at this stage, has not established that any property was stolen.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and that conclusions will be made only after the available evidence and statements have been properly verified.
The Lamitan City Police Station also appealed to the public and social media users to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could cause unnecessary fear or confusion in the community.
Police urged anyone with relevant information about the September 10 assault in Barangay Balas to immediately coordinate with the Lamitan City Police Station.
Authorities said further information will be released once investigators establish clearer and verified facts surrounding the incident.