Soldier found beaten and bruised in Manila

Police are on the lookout for four men who may have been involved in a physical attack on a man in Malate, Manila last Sunday.

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the victim’s eyes were severely bruised, heavily swollen, and completely shut due to the severity of his injuries.

Responding barangay officials were also unable to speak with him.

Barangay officials rushed to a residence in Barangay 743, Zone 80, Malate, Manila following a report from a resident who allegedly witnessed the man at the scene.

“Nakita na niya na nakabulagta yung lalaki. May mga sign ng mga pasa sa katawan, muka, parang nabugbog…Mukang hirap kailangan alalayan…Pikit ang mata, di maka kilos mag-isa,” said Barangay 743 captain Felimon Tutica, Jr.

(He saw the man sprawled on the ground. There were signs of bruising on his body and face, looking like he had been severely beaten… He seemed to be in pain and needed assistance… His eyes were shut, and he couldn't move on his own.)

Barangay officials are still unclear as to why the man was found at the foot of the stairs or what exactly happened to him, though they suspect he may have been beaten up.

Barangay CCTV footage shows the victim being picked up by a barangay patrol vehicle and rushed to the hospital.

Before the incident was reported, patrolling barangay tanods had already inspected the residence after hearring suspicious noises emanating from the property.

“May narinig silang parang pigil na hiyaw. Pina-check baka kasi kailangan yung tulong,” said Tutica.

(They heard what sounded like a muffled scream. They had it checked out just in case someone needed help.)

But according to the men who stepped out of the house, it was just a minor problem that had already been resolved.

A Manila Police District investigation later revealed that the victim who was beaten up is an active-duty soldier and a member of the Philippine Army.

“Dinala sa Ospital ng Maynila then eventually tinransfer ito sa V. Luna Hospital sa Quezon City,” said MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines.

(He was initially brought to the Ospital ng Maynila and was eventually transferred to the V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City.)

The motive behind the beating remains unclear at this time as the victim remains confined in the hospital.

The MPD said the four suspects, who remain at large, are residents in the area and could face the necessary charges. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA News