GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — A CCTV video showing a barangay public safety officer allegedly kicking or attempting to block a fleeing minor outside a computer shop in Barangay Fatima has sparked mixed reactions among residents and social media users.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 10 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, based on the CCTV timestamp. The video, shared online and credited to JohnElmer Dela Cruz Montecalvo, prompted calls for the incident to be investigated and for authorities to clarify what happened.
In a radio interview, Barangay Fatima Captain Renante Curit said his review of the CCTV footage showed that the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) personnel did not kick the child. Instead, Curit explained that the officer appeared to use his legs to block the minor, who was running out of the computer shop.
The barangay captain’s explanation differs from the interpretation of some viewers who believe the footage shows excessive physical action against the minor. The circumstances surrounding the encounter, however, have yet to be independently established.
Barangay Enforces Curfew for Minors
Curit said the barangay has been strictly implementing curfew regulations for minors, citing as a recurring concern the presence of young people in computer shops late at night, including on school days, to play computer games.
The incident occurred at approximately 10 p.m., coinciding with the barangay’s curfew enforcement, according to the information provided.
Curit also disclosed that the barangay had issued a show-cause order to the computer shop owner over the establishment’s alleged failure to prevent minors from staying inside during curfew hours.
The issuance of the order indicates that the barangay is seeking an explanation from the establishment regarding its compliance with local regulations. The shop owner’s response, if any, was not immediately available.
While local authorities have a responsibility to enforce curfew regulations and maintain public order, the incident has also raised questions about the appropriate use of physical intervention by community safety personnel, particularly when dealing with children.
Netizens Divided Over the Incident
Online reactions to the circulating video have been mixed.
Some social media users defended the barangay personnel, arguing that minors should be at home during curfew hours and alleging that some young people in the area have been causing disturbances. They said enforcing curfew rules is necessary to maintain peace and order in the community.
Others, however, criticized the reported physical intervention, saying that the officer’s actions appeared excessive and that the matter should be addressed through proper disciplinary procedures if wrongdoing is established.
The conflicting reactions highlight the need to determine precisely what happened during the encounter rather than relying solely on differing interpretations of the footage.
The video has also renewed discussion about the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that minors comply with curfew rules, as well as the accountability of establishments that allow children to remain on their premises late at night.
At the same time, the incident underscores the importance of ensuring that curfew enforcement is conducted appropriately and that minors are treated with care and respect.
Authorities Yet to Issue Official Statements
As of this writing, no official statement had been issued by the General Santos City Social Welfare and Development Office, the police, or the city government regarding the incident.
It remains unclear whether the concerned authorities have initiated a separate investigation, reviewed the complete CCTV recording, or conducted interviews with the minor, the BPAT personnel involved, and other possible witnesses.
A full review of the footage and accounts from the parties involved would help establish the sequence of events and determine whether the officer’s actions were consistent with applicable rules and child-protection standards.
The incident should not be treated as proof of misconduct based solely on a circulating video, nor should the barangay captain’s explanation be considered a definitive finding without a thorough assessment of the available evidence.
The Mindanao Sentinel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates if official statements or verified findings become available.