Bulacan barangay captain claims self-defense following viral screwdriver attack

A barangay captain in Calumpit, Bulacan went viral online after he was caught using a screwdriver during an altercation — an act he claimed was done in self-defense.

In a “24 Oras” report by Ivan Mayrina on Monday, authorities identified the suspect as the captain of Barangay San Jose. The incident that occurred in in Purok II, Barangay Meyto, Calumpit town reportedly happened on Sunday, August 6, 2026.

In the viral video, bystanders can be seen attempting to restrain the man, who was wearing a white undershirt. Moments later, however, he suddenly lunged forward.

At various points during the commotion, individuals were also seen knocked to the ground.

In the footage, onlookers can be heard shouting in fear, with one resident exclaiming, “Oh my God may panaksak (Oh my God, he has a weapon)," referring to the barangay captain.

Calumpit Municipal Police Chief P/Lt. Col. Leopoldo Estorque said the captain's group had just come from a relief distribution in Barangay Meyto when an argument broke out at a boat terminal.

“Ito pong grupo ni kapitan ay galing sila sa isang relief distribution sa nasabing barangay, Barangay San Jose, Calumpit, Bulacan, kung saan pagdating nila don sa isang terminal ng mga bangka ay nagkaroon ng pagtatalo,” Estorque said.

(This group led by the captain had just come from a relief distribution in the area, Barangay Meyto, Calumpit, Bulacan. Upon arriving at a boat terminal, a dispute erupted.)

According to the barangay captain, who requested anonymity, his group of barangay watchmen (tanod) had gotten into a disagreement with several residents of Barangay Meyto.

He reiterated that he was not holding a bladed weapon, but merely a screwdriver that he grabbed strictly for self-defense.

“Nung nagkagulo na dumami po yung taga [Barangay] Meyto kasi sa Meyto na pong lugar ‘yon eh. So natakot din ako so nakita kong may gumagawa ng motor sa gilid, kinuha ko po ang screwdriver. Inaamin ko po hawak ko,” the barangay captain admitted.

(When the situation escalated, more residents from Barangay Meyto arrived since it was their area. I got scared, so when I saw someone working on a motorcycle nearby, I took a screwdriver. I admit that I held it.)

Police said the parties involved in the incident have since spoken and that they reached a resolution.

“Ayon sa mga biktima ay ayun ang pagkabanggit nila sa amin na nagkasundo na raw sila. So meron silang internal arrangement na napag-usapan na sa amin nai-report na ‘yan. Meron na silang napagkasunduan,” Estorque said.

(According to the victims, they mentioned to us that they have already come to an agreement. So they have an internal arrangement that they discussed, and that has already been reported to us. They have reached a settlement.) — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/BAP, GMA News