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Mayor Wes condemns assault of student, assures swift justice

Philippines | Metro Manila

Mayor Wes condemns assault of student, assures swift justice

By Hannah Nicol

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian along with VCPS Chief Col. Joseph Talento met the arrested suspect and the victim on Friday, Sept. 19 (Photo from Valenzuela City PIO)

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian along with VCPS Chief Col. Joseph Talento met the arrested suspect and the victim on Friday, Sept. 19 (Photo from Valenzuela City PIO)

Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian condemned on Friday, Sept. 19, the assault of a 20-year-old student on a footbridge in Barangay Gen. T. De Leon and assured the public that the city government will pursue justice for the victim.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night, Sept. 17, when the victim was attacked by a 40-year-old resident identified as “Ian.”

He allegedly punched the student in the stomach, pinned her to the ground, struck her head repeatedly, and touched her chest before fleeing.

The case gained widespread attention after a video of the incident circulated on social media the following day.

Following the report, Gatchalian immediately coordinated with the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) to fast-track the investigation.

VCPS chief Col. Joseph Talento ordered the conduct of backtracking operations using closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage in the area, which led to the suspect’s arrest on Thursday, Sept. 18.

On Friday, Gatchalian personally faced the suspect at the police station and reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for violence.

“Seryoso po ang Pamahalaang Lungsod at ang ating kapulisan sa pagpapanatili ng kaligtasan at dangal ng bawat bata. Walang lugar sa ating lungsod para sa ganitong klaseng karahasan (The City Government and our police force are serious about safeguarding the safety and dignity of every child. There is no place in our city for this kind of violence),” he said.

Police said, the suspect will be charged with acts of lasciviousness and physical injuries.

Related Tags

metronews Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie \"Wes\" Gatchalian Valenzuela City Police Station Valenzuela City

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