2 Groups of Youths Clash After Simbang Gabi Due to Simple Exchange of Stares
The incident reportedly started with a simple exchange of stares. The staring incident quickly escalated into violence, alarming motorists and pedestrians who were passing through the busy area.
More than 20 young individuals, most of them minors, were involved in the incident. Around 5 a.m. on December 17, videos showed the youths chasing each other in the middle of the road without regard for moving vehicles.
The authorities discovered that some of the youths were carrying bladed weapons. Barangay officials revealed that several suspects had been hiding sharp knives inside their umbrellas, making it difficult to detect that they were armed. Bottles were also thrown during the clash, adding to the danger in the area.
Video also captured a similar brawl involving the same groups on the previous day, December 16, at the same location. According to Barangay 307 officials, the meeting of the two groups appeared to have been planned.
“Noong unang Simbang Gabi, nag-ipon-ipon ang mga bata doon… nagsimula na sila na nagkatitigan, ’yun ang pinagmulan eh. Tapos hindi na nagtagal, nagrambol na sila doon,
” Barangay 307 executive officer Venerando Jangalay said.
During the first Simbang Gabi, the youths reportedly gathered, exchanged hostile looks, and later broke out into a fight.
Police officers stationed near Plaza Miranda quickly responded to both incidents, preventing the situation from getting worse. No injuries were reported. Two youths were apprehended during the first brawl, while three more were caught during the second. All those involved were between 15 and 17 years old.
Since then, no further disturbances have been reported, allowing Simbang Gabi gatherings to continue peacefully.
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