“TRIP LANG NA BUGBUGIN?”: 21-year-old student beaten by stranger in Tabuk City

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A 21-year-old Criminology student was allegedly attacked and beaten by an unidentified man while walking home in Bulanao, Tabuk City, on Monday, September 7, 2026.

According to the victim’s cousin, the student usually rode his motorcycle to school but decided to commute after losing his motorcycle key. After class, he chose to walk home.

Upon reaching Purok 6, Bulanao, two men riding a motorcycle reportedly approached him. One of the men allegedly got off the motorcycle and attacked the student without any apparent reason.

CCTV footage obtained by the victim’s family showed the student attempting to avoid the attack rather than fight back. He tried to get away as the assailant continued throwing punches until he lost his balance and fell onto the road.

The attacker allegedly continued punching and kicking the victim before eventually stopping. He then boarded the motorcycle and fled with his companion.

The victim sustained multiple superficial abrasions and was reportedly left traumatized by the incident, according to his cousin.

“Naawa nga po ako sa kanya, ang bait ng bata na ’yan. Hindi ’yan gumaganti,” the cousin said, adding that the victim had changed since moving to Kalinga and was no longer inclined to engage in fights.

The family is appealing to anyone who may recognize the suspects or have information about the incident to coordinate with the Tabuk City Police Station.

The victim’s family said they are pursuing the case not only for their relative but also for other students, workers and residents of Tabuk City, stressing that people should be able to walk home safely without fear of being randomly attacked.