MPD hunts rider, backrider caught on video attacking motorist in Manila
Photo courtesy of MPD-Investigation Unit
The Manila Police District (MPD) has launched a manhunt for a motorcycle rider and his backrider who were caught on video assaulting another motorist at an intersection in Sampaloc, Manila, before dawn on June 1.
Investigators are reviewing action camera footage and CCTV recordings that captured portions of the incident at the corner of Florentino Street and Mercedes Street in Barangay 519.
Video footage showed the victim speeding away from the area, even crossing an intersection while the traffic light was red, apparently in an effort to escape his attackers.
Before the assault, CCTV footage from a nearby barangay allegedly showed two men riding a motorcycle entering Florentino Street, a one-way road, against the flow of traffic. Both were reportedly not wearing helmets.
The suspects later encountered the victim at the intersection.
Authorities said the victim had the right of way and had stopped after the traffic signal turned red.
Moments later, the motorcycle’s backrider struck the victim on the head with a helmet, while the rider reportedly joined in by throwing punches.
After the attack, the victim immediately fled the scene.
The two suspects were also seen leaving the area, counterflowing once more before turning into a nearby street.
The footage has already been turned over to the MPD, which said efforts are underway to identify and locate the two men involved.Barangay 519 officials informed investigators that the rider involved in the incident resides in a neighboring barangay.
According to the chairman of Barangay 517, local officials have yet to locate the suspect.
Barangay officers have coordinated with the rider’s relatives and friends, who allegedly conveyed their willingness to surrender him to authorities.
Investigators are also looking into information that the confrontation may have been triggered by a road encounter after the victim allegedly sounded his horn at the suspects when they crossed paths.
The MPD said the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities are trying to obtain the accused's side and a statement from the Land Transportation Office regarding the alleged traffic violations shown in the videos.