Several minors were taken into custody after a video of them brawling on top of a moving jeepney went viral, sparking safety concerns along the East Service Road in Barangay Western Bicutan.
The incident occurred around midnight of 27 February and social media footage showed five boys chasing the vehicle while three others engaged in a physical altercation on its roof.
Two of the youths were seen repeatedly punching a third boy as the jeepney continued to drive.
A motorcycle rider filming the scene alerted the jeepney driver, who immediately brought the vehicle to a halt.
While other riders attempted to intervene, the footage showed the minors striking one of the onlookers before fleeing the scene on foot.
Taguig City Police responded to the area and identified the minors involved. The youths were brought to the local barangay hall for processing.
“The act posed serious risks not only to the minors involved but also to other passengers and motorists,” the Taguig City Police said in a statement.
Daisy Matubis, a barangay tanod in Western Bicutan, said the minors are now undergoing counseling with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“The plan now is for the barangay to turn them over to their home district in Barangay Maharlika,” Matubis said. “We are working together with the City DSWD and barangay social services.”
Local officials cited an uptick in street disturbances involving minors in the area. Matubis emphasized that while a 10 p.m. curfew is in place and patrols are regular, parental cooperation is essential.
“I am talking to the parents — do not let your children stay out late,” Matubis said. “If they are inside, you can prevent these kinds of disturbances.”