SK chairman in Manila in hot water over abuse of pregnant partner

TRIGGER WARNING: Graphic content involving violence

Authorities are preparing charges against a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman in Manila following a complaint over alleged repeated abuse of his girlfriend, who is now pregnant.

According to Jomer Alpresto's report on "24 Oras Weekend," the victim said their relationship turned violent several months in, with multiple incidents of physical abuse allegedly occurring.

Among the pieces of evidence is a cellphone video showing a man assaulting a woman inside a house in Antipolo City last year.

The man was later identified as an SK chairman of a barangay in Sampaloc, Manila.

The footage, reportedly taken in November last year, showed the victim with a bloodied face after allegedly being punched.

Photos taken in February showed bruises and injuries on various parts of her body.

Another photo, taken recently, was said to have been captured after a fresh incident allegedly triggered by jealousy.

“Ginawa niya po sa akin, imbis na kausapin po ako, sinampal niya po ako agad. Hinawakan niya po ng dalawang kamay ang ulo ko. Inalog niya po nang inalog, tapos inuumpog niya po ako sa pader,” the victim said.

(Instead of talking to me, he immediately slapped me. He held my head with both hands. He kept shaking me, then he kept banging my head against the wall.)

She said they have been in a relationship for more than two years, with the alleged abuse starting around the eighth month.

Despite this, she said she repeatedly forgave him out of love.

The victim is now more than two months pregnant and admitted she sometimes retaliates when she is harmed.

Barangay officials in Antipolo said they have already responded multiple times to disputes between the couple.

The SK chairman declined to comment when sought for his side.

Meanwhile, officials in the barangay where the suspect serves said they had no prior knowledge of the incidents but noted changes in his behavior in recent months.

“Minsan gusto ng girl, nandun lang si SK sa kanya. Minsan kapag kailangan si SK dito, nale-late siya. Okay naman po siya dito sa barangay namin. Yung mga proyekto niya po, nagagawa naman po niya,” a local official said.

(Sometimes the girl wants SK to just stay with her. Sometimes when SK is needed here, he arrives late. He is okay here in our barangay. His projects are being accomplished.)—MCG, GMA News