• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A 22-year-old Filipino-Indian national is facing criminal charges under the child abuse law after allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old student during a traffic altercation in Purok Santan, Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City, on Tuesday afternoon, January 6.
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Spokesperson PCPT Rosalino Pugoy Jr. said the confrontation was triggered by a road dispute where the victim was riding a motorcycle and the suspect was driving an SUV.
The physical assault allegedly occurred after a fight over lane positioning escalated into a heated confrontation when both parties stopped their vehicles.
Pugoy said that the 22-year-old suspect is facing possible charges for Physical Injury in accordance with the Republic Act 7610.
The victim’s family has expressed their intent to file formal charges against the suspect.
Meanwhile, BCPO PCol. Joeresty Coronica advised foreign visitors to observe national laws when entering the country.
“No one is above the law. Whatever is implemented for Filipinos should be implemented for all other citizens. We do not show favoritism; the law should be applied to everyone,” Coronica said.*
