Criminal charges filed vs PWD passenger abusers

A criminal complaint was filed Wednesday with the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office against individuals allegedly involved in the violent assault and neglect of a commuter with intellectual disabilities aboard an EDSA Carousel bus. The Department of Transportation (DoTr) assisted in the filing, which cited violations of Republic Act (RA) 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Named in the complaint are security guard Ain Cristopher Desor, bus driver Mark Ivan Ramos, conductor Francis Sauron and three still-unidentified men.

The case stems from a viral video that showed the victim, also named Mark Ivan Ramos, being physically assaulted by multiple men while other passengers screamed. The victim, who has been medically diagnosed with Moderate Severity Intellectual Developmental Disorder, was reportedly punched, kicked and tasered during the incident.

Desor was identified as one of the primary attackers and later allegedly mocked the incident in a vlog posted on his Facebook page.

The complaint alleges that the bus driver and conductor failed to intervene or provide aid to the victim during the assault. Despite visible injuries, including bruises and taser burns, Ramos was forcibly dropped off at the Ayala Station without medical assistance. Their inaction was described as gross neglect of duty toward a vulnerable passenger.

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

Investigators have requested CCTV footage from the bus, which remains in the custody of Precious Grace Transport, the bus operator. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board previously 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, sworn witness accounts, and images from the viral video. Complainants also cited a 2008 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the use of RA 7610 to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse.