Barangay official accused of striking rider with bamboo pole in Ilocos Sur

A barangay official is under police investigation after he allegedly struck a motorcycle rider with a bamboo pole following a dispute over the noise produced by the rider's modified motorcycle, according to authorities.

Police said the incident was reported at around 9:58 p.m. on 11 July in Barangay Bungro, San Ildefonso.

Responding police officers found the suspect holding a bamboo pole believed to have been used in the incident, while the victim had already been taken by Rural Health Unit personnel to the nearest hospital, authorities said.

Police identified the victim as Jay-r Taculog Dayag, 25, a government employee, and the suspect as Arthur Tapiceria Palomares, 55, a barangay kagawad. Both are residents of Barangay Bungro.

According to the initial police investigation, Dayag was riding a black Yamaha Mio i125 motorcycle fitted with a modified muffler that allegedly produced excessive noise while passing through the barangay.

Authorities said the noise prompted Palomares to confront Dayag and tell him to stop using the motorcycle because it was disturbing residents. Investigators said Dayag allegedly ignored the warning and continued riding the vehicle.

Police said Palomares later positioned himself along the roadside and, as Dayag passed by, allegedly struck him on the head with a bamboo pole.

The blow allegedly caused Dayag to lose control of the motorcycle, crash onto the road, and suffer a head injury, authorities said.

Dayag was taken to Northside Doctor's Hospital for treatment, police said. Palomares, meanwhile, underwent a medico-legal examination at Magsingal District Hospital before being brought to the San Ildefonso Municipal Police Station for further investigation and proper disposition.

Authorities have yet to announce what charges may be filed as the investigation remains ongoing.