Youth riots cause alarm among residents in Paombong

Two groups of youths have been repeatedly going at each other in their community in Bulacan, causing other residents to be alarmed.

According to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report on “24 Oras,” CCTV footage caught one of the skirmishes between the clashing gangs in Barangay San Isidro Dos in the town of Paombong.

A member of “Onse” — one of the youth gangs involved — was seen in the video trying to attack his opponent with a butcher knife before another member showed up with a boat paddle.

“Katwiran po nila, menor de edad sila, di sila kayang ipakulong,” said Barangay Councilor Nicanor Pasco. 

(They said they were minors so they could not be arrested.)

Onse reportedly started in Hagonoy town where they are currently facing several complaints. 

“Inaabangan nila mga estudyante, pinagti-tripan,” said Cyrus John Dela Cruz, the secretary of Barangay San Pedro. 

(They watch out for students, making fun of them.)

“Nadadala naman sa barangay, nakakausap naman po pati mga magulang at guro, kaya lang po paulit-ulit na po. Ang nangyayari ngayon parang pinetition sa tinitirhan nila napunta sa kabilang barangay,” Dela Cruz said.

(They were referred to the barangay and we had talked to their parents and teachers but they just repeated it. They were petitioned from their barangay so they transferred here.)

Officials of Barangay San Isidro II vowed to take action against the groups, saying they would refer them to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development. 

“Alam na rin po ito ng kapulisan at nakikipag-cooperate naman po tayo,” said Pasco. 

(We informed the police and are now cooperating with them.)

“Kinakausap po namin `yung mga magulang nitong mga menor de edad na involved sa kaguluhang ito. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa GMA at nabigyan ng pansin itong nangyayaring kaguluhan dito,” he added. 

(We talked to their parents. We thank GMA for taking notice of the conflict here.)

Meanwhile, local officials of nearby barangays said they would strengthen their patrol system to curb the conflicts. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News