Attackers of 21-yr-old student in Tabuk City identified; Mauling case settled through customary law

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The mauling of a 21-year-old student in Tabuk City has been settled through customary law, with the two identified attackers agreeing to shoulder the victim’s medical expenses and provide a pig for "songa."

The incident happened on September 7 as the student was reportedly walking home from school.

Based on CCTV footage, the victim was punched and kicked by one individual before the attackers fled the area aboard a motorcycle.

Three days later, on September 10, the two suspects, identified as 17 and 19 years old, faced the victim before Bulanao Punong Barangay Cosme Gunnawa and Tabuk City Police Substation Commander PCapt. Arnel Gonayon.

Both parties agreed to settle the incident through customary law.

Under the settlement, the attackers agreed to pay ₱40,000 to cover the victim’s medical expenses and provide a pig for songa, a traditional form of settlement or reconciliation.

The victim’s family expressed gratitude to members of the public who supported their relative during the incident and to authorities who helped facilitate the settlement.

“We hope that this resolution will serve as a reminder to everyone involved that conflicts should be handled through communication, understanding and proper channels,” the family said in a Facebook post.

“Most importantly, we sincerely hope that an incident like this will never happen again, not to our cousin and not to anyone else. Everyone deserves to feel safe while walking, studying, working, and living in our community,” they added.

With the matter settled, the family appealed to the public to refrain from making further accusations or negative comments about the incident as both parties have agreed to move forward peacefully.

The family also expressed hope that the settlement would serve as a reminder to resolve conflicts peacefully and prevent similar incidents in the community.