A video capturing a barangay chairman assaulting two minors in Barangay 33-B La Paz, Laoag City, has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and a police investigation.

The incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. on August 15, 2024, was recorded by a netizen and shows the barangay chairman confronting and attacking several minors at the barangay fishport.

Based on initial police investigation, the barangay chairman approached a young woman at the fishport and told her to go home, claiming she was his niece. 

When she turned away, the chairman allegedly followed her on a vehicle and bumped her repeatedly.

A male companion of the young woman reportedly shouted to protest the chairman’s actions. The chairman then approached the young man and slapped him.

Other minors witnessed the incident, which prompted the victims to return home and report the assault to their parents.

When the victims returned to the fishport with their parents, they were met by the chairman and his brother, who allegedly assaulted the young man again.

The boy's mother was also reportedly harmed in the altercation. 

Despite being present, barangay watchmen did not intervene. 

“Pagbaba namin sa sasakyan, ‘yung anak ko — hindi pa nakababa — pumunta yung kapatid niya [ng barangay chairman], sinugod at sinuntok niya ‘yung anak ko... masakit para sakin na nakita ko yung anak ko na binugbog nila," one of the victim’s parent said.

Some witnesses claimed that the chairman appeared to be intoxicated during the confrontation.

“Hindi ko alam kasi lasing sila, marami rin nakakita na binirabira niya yung motor niya, bakit ganun ba ang magdisplina, ‘Hindi ganyan,’ sabi ko," another victim’s parent added.

The victims' parents are reportedly preparing to file formal charges against the barangay chairman.

The barangay chairman is yet to release a statement, as of this writing.