Erap orders arrest of Manila village chief tagged in beating of teen

MANILA, Philippines— Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered the arrest of the barangay chairman charged for allegedly beating up a 16-year-old boy.

The STAR reported that Estrada ordered the arrest of village chief Felipe Falcon Jr. of Barangay 350, Zone 35. He allegedly mauled the minor who failed to recognize him with a set of brass knuckles in his office in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Saturday. Falcon also reportedly used a dry seal and a cell phone in hitting the victim.

For this, Falcon, who is reportedly in hiding following the mauling incident, faces serious physical injuries charges in relation to Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Photos of the wounded minor circulated on social media over the weekend as online users called for justice for the beaten teenager.

The Manila Police District Women and Children Protection Desk filed the charges against Falcon.

In his complaint, the ninth-grader victim claimed that Falcon was under the influence of alcohol when he was attacked.

READ: Village chief in Manila charged for beating up teen

The minor complained that he was questioned by Falcon when he visited the barangay hall to give the cell phone of his friend, who was arrested earlier Saturday night.

However, the victim claimed Falcon, later on, hit him after he failed to recognize him as the village chief and mistook him as barangay councilor.

According to The STAR, Falcon only stopped mauling the minor when his father arrived. The victim was brought to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center for treatment. 

The victim sustained wounds in his head and face. — Rosette Adel with reports from Rey Galupo