A young man was found severely injured on Rizal Avenue outside Tao Bar early Saturday morning.
The victim, identified as Khen Argie Ising Tahum, was discovered lying on the road by a patrolling team of the Puerto Princesa City Anti-Crime Task Force (ACTF) around 3:30 a.m.
The officers learned that Tahum had been involved in an earlier altercation at the bar, where his companion was reportedly attacked. According to the victim, the perpetrators returned and ganged up on him.
Tahum recounted that he was repeatedly struck with a longboard and sustained injuries so severe that he could no longer move his arm. He also suffered a bleeding nose and head injuries, which, according to witnesses, occurred when he fell head-first onto the pavement and was continuously punched by his assailants.
“Ayon dito ay bumalik ang mga kaaway ng kanyang kasamahan at pinagtulungan daw siya ng mga ito hanggang bumagsak siya at dito nga ay pinalo siya ng long board ng maka ilang ulit,” the ACTF said in a post via We R1 at Your Service.
“Hindi na nito maigalaw ang kanyang braso at dumudugo na ang ilong nito, ayon sa kanyang kasamahan ay pagbagsak daw nito ay na una ang kanyang ulo at hindi pa tinigilan ito ng kaka suntok,” they added.
Authorities immediately called for a HERO ambulance to provide first aid. While waiting for medical assistance, officers spotted one of the suspects passing by the scene. The victim identified the individual as Steven Abeniyo, a resident of Barangay Sta. Monica.
Abeniyo was promptly invited for questioning but initially denied involvement. However, video evidence provided by witnesses confirmed his participation in the assault.
Abeniyo’s companion, identified only as Malonso, allegedly behaved rudely toward authorities and refused to provide additional information.
The suspects were turned over to Puerto Princesa City Police Station 1 for further investigation, while Tahum was rushed to the Ospital ng Palawan for medical treatment.
