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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider 2 Region 2 LTO officials probed for assault in karaoke lounge

2 Region 2 LTO officials probed for assault in karaoke lounge

Published Jun 15, 2025 11:25 am
CAMP Marcelo Adduru, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – The Police Regional Office-2 has launched an investigation against two officials of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) who allegedly assaulted three young individuals in a karaoke lounge here on June 4.
PRO-2 Director Police Brig Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr. said the incident happened at 8:57 p.m. inside a karaoke lounge in a hotel in Barangay Caggay.
Marallag identified the victims as Vanessa, 20, singer; Rey, a 15-year-old boy, and Christopher, 20.
Investigation said the victims were having fun in the karaoke lounge when LTO-Region 2 Assistant Regional Director Manuel Baricaua and Chief Enforcer Charles Ursulum approached and sat next to Vanessa while she was singing.
Baricaua was noticed to be staring at Vanessa while she was singing and allegedly touched her around the waist. Due to fear and discomfort, Vanessa moved away.
Ursulum called Vanessa and said “Sit next to RD (Regional Director)” but she firmly declined.
Vanessa's mother Mary intervened but Ursulum insisted on his request again but the mother refused.
Baricaua and Ursulum approached Rey and Christopher and suddenly slapped them for no reason. One of the officials allegedly kicked Christopher in the chest. Out of fear, the victims chose not to retaliate and quietly returned to their seats.
One of the officials allegedly pulled Mary’s hair when she tried to intervene.
After the incident, the victims immediately sought legal assistance and filed a complaint with the help of their lawyer. They also submitted their medico-legal report as part of the evidence.
The formal complaint was submitted to the City Prosecutor’s Office on June 13 and set to be endorsed to the Office of the Prosecutor on June 16, 2025.
Marallag condemned the incident and assured the public of a fair and thorough investigation.
“We do not tolerate any form of abuse, especially against women and children. We will ensure that justice is served to the victims, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he said.
The two LTO officials face cases of unjust vexation, slight physical injury, and violation of Republic Act 7610, the law on protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.
Baricaua and Ursulum are the two latest LTO officials to be involved in viral incidents in a week. The first was an official from Baguio in a drunk driving incident.

Related Tags

LTO Cagayan Tuguegarao City
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