Complaint filed over brutal assault of PWD commuter on EDSA bus

A criminal complaint was filed Wednesday before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office against those allegedly involved in the violent assault and neglect of a commuter with intellectual disabilities aboard an Edsa Carousel bus.

The filing was made with assistance from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which has been monitoring the case closely.

Citing violations of Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, the complaint named security guard Ain Cristopher Desor, bus driver Mark Ivan Ramos, conductor Francis Sauron, and three unidentified men.

The case stemmed from a viral video showing the victim — also named Mark Ivan Ramos — being violently attacked by several men while other passengers screamed in horror.

The victim, who has been medically diagnosed with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Moderate Severity), was punched, kicked, and tasered while on board. Desor was identified as one of the primary attackers and was later seen mocking the incident through a vlog posted on his Facebook page.

The complaint said the bus driver and conductor failed to intervene during the assault and provided no assistance to the victim.

Despite visible injuries—including bruises and taser burns—Ramos was forcibly dropped off at the Ayala Station without any medical help. Their inaction was described as gross neglect of duty toward a vulnerable passenger.

The complaint emphasized that Ramos, as a person with disability, is entitled to heightened legal protection under Philippine law. RA 7610 specifically penalizes physical abuse, exploitation, and neglect committed against minors and individuals with special needs.

Authorities have requested the retrieval of CCTV footage from the bus, which remains in the custody of Precious Grace Transport, the bus operator. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier suspended the company’s operations following the incident.

Documents submitted to prosecutors include medical records confirming Ramos’ disability and injuries, screenshots of Desor’s social media posts taunting the public, sworn witness accounts, and still images from the viral video. The complaint also cited a 2008 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the use of RA 7610 to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse.

With support from the DOTr, the Makati Prosecutor’s Office is now evaluating whether there is sufficient basis to file formal charges. If convicted, the accused face stiffer penalties under RA 7610, including imprisonment.

Authorities are still working to identify the three unnamed assailants and appealed to the public to provide any information that may help move the investigation forward.