Punong Barangay seeks suit vs gang leader over minors’ initiation

By Paulo DS Papa

A 21-year-old gang leader may face charges for allegedly initiating newly recruited minors through beatings inside a cemetery in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, Naga City.

A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing several minors blindfolded and being repeatedly punched in different parts of their bodies, including their backs.

Punong Barangay Francis Mendoza said he called the attention of the parents of the minors, aged 13 to 15, who are residents of the barangay.

Mendoza said he organized a meeting with the parents last Saturday to discuss the incident. However, the parents initially refused to pursue a case against the 21-year-old suspect, citing concerns over the time and delays that a legal process might entail.

Mendoza said he recommended that a case be filed against the alleged gang leader, who reportedly founded the group known as the “SBlack Gang.”

He said the matter will soon be discussed with the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Naga City Police Office and concerned officials of the local government to determine the appropriate interventions for the minors and possible legal action against the suspect.

Mendoza said he is hopeful that the meeting will lead to appropriate interventions to protect the minors and ensure that the alleged gang leader is held accountable for the incident.