By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A 16-year-old boy is currently in a comatose state after he was allegedly beaten with a baseball bat over the weekend by six barangay tanods in Barangay 16, Bacolod City.

Police refused to identify the teen, but confirmed he is a resident of Purok Kingfisher in the said barangay.

In a statement given to police by the victim’s mother, who has requested anonymity, her son, along with his sibling and friends, went to a birthday party last Saturday evening.

The suspects, identified as barangay tanods Michael Rosales, Ben Bejemino, Christopher Abelana, Mark Anthony Bico, Johnmar Ronzales, and Michael Jamandre, reportedly arrived in the area and invited the victim’s brother to the barangay hall after he was accused of “creating trouble” in the area.

The victim’s brother refused, which angered the barangay officials, who reportedly began beating the victim and his brother with a baseball bat.

The suspects also allegedly randomly assaulted others in the vicinity.

The victim is currently confined at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital for treatment.

A follow-up operation conducted by Police Station 1 (PS1) later resulted in Rosales’ arrest.

PS1 are now investigating the incident and believe the suspects were drunk at the time of the incident./DGB, WDJ