2 foreign nationals injured in separate loud music disputes in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Two separate disputes over loud music left two foreign nationals injured in Cebu City and Toledo City, with two suspects now in police custody and facing criminal complaints.

The incidents, which occurred hours apart on Wednesday and Thursday, July 8 and 9, both started after the victims confronted neighbors or companions over loud music before the arguments turned violent.

Beer bottle attack in Cebu City

In Cebu City, a 38-year-old Papua New Guinean national was arrested after allegedly striking a 32-year-old Ghanaian man with a beer bottle outside a convenience store along M. Velez Street in Barangay Capitol Site.

According to a report from the Abellana Police Station of the Cebu City Police Office, the incident happened at around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 9.

Police said both the suspect and the victim were temporarily residing in Cebu City, with the victim staying on the second floor of the same convenience store.

The investigation showed that the Ghanaian national had just woken up and gone downstairs to eat when he noticed the suspect and two companions drinking while playing loud music through a portable speaker.

The victim approached the group and asked them to turn down the music because it was already late.

Police said the group initially complied but later turned the music back on, prompting the victim to confront them again.

While one of the suspect’s companions was apologizing, police said the suspect suddenly struck the victim on the forehead with a bottle of San Mig Light beer, causing injuries.

The victim immediately backed away from the suspect.

READ: Osmeña pushes stricter enforcement of Cebu City’s Anti-Noise Ordinance

When the suspect attempted to flee, other customers chased and restrained him, resulting in a commotion during which the suspect also sustained injuries before responding police officers arrived.

Police later arrested the suspect via a citizen’s arrest and informed him of his constitutional rights.

Police Major Aris Tormo, officer-in-charge of the station, said the suspect has already undergone inquest proceedings for a complaint of slight physical injuries.

As of Friday, July 10, he remained in police custody.

READ: When noise becomes actionable for damages under Philippine law

Greek national hacked in Toledo

Hours earlier in Toledo City, a 59-year-old Greek national was allegedly hacked by his 69-year-old brother-in-law after asking him to lower the volume of loud music outside their homes.

According to the Toledo City Police Station, the incident happened at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, in Barangay Sagay.

Investigation showed that the victim and his wife had just arrived home from Cebu City.

After resting in his room, the victim was woken up by loud music coming from the residence of the suspect, who police said is the brother of the victim’s wife.

Police said the victim approached the suspect and politely requested him to lower the volume.

However, investigators said the suspect allegedly became angry and attacked the victim with a bolo, inflicting hack wounds on his left eye and upper left lip.

Police also learned that the two had previously argued over the same issue.

The victim was rushed to Toledo City Hospital, where he received medical treatment.

A follow-up investigation and hot pursuit operation led to the suspect’s arrest at around 8 p.m. the same day after a witness positively identified him.

Police also recovered a 19-inch bolo, locally known as a sundang, believed to have been used in the attack.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Verniño Noserale, Chief of Toledo City Police Station, said the suspect remained in police custody as of Friday while authorities prepared to file a complaint for frustrated homicide before the Office of the Prosecutor.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Read Next

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.