2 Intramuros Guards Face Criminal Charges After Brutal Assault on Teenager

2 Intramuros Guards Face Criminal Charges After Brutal Assault on Teenager

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 10, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Two security guards are facing criminal charges after a video surfaced showing them assaulting a 17-year-old boy at the Pasig River Esplanade in Intramuros, Manila.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso presented the suspects to the public during a broadcast of the Manila Public Information Office’s program “Talk to The People.”

Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso (right) talks to two Intramuros security guards (in white shirts) who allegedly assaulted a 17-year-old boy in Intramuros.

The suspects, identified as Gilbert Mendez and Nilo Anub, admitted to assaulting the victim, identified only as “Kevin,” during the program.

Domagoso showed the video footage, with the guards restraining the teenager before punching him.

The video shows the victim being subjected to repeated hammer blows to the back of the head and neck, followed by forceful kicks to the stomach.

“The guards treated the victim like an animal,” said an outraged netizen.

“If there weren’t people around, they probably would have killed him. The victim, even if he did something wrong, didn’t deserve that,” he added.

An online commenter expressed similar anger: “Did these guards not think about what it would be like if it were their own sibling being beaten like that?”

“They showed no mercy in the video. They clearly lack proper training, and if they even have licenses, the PNP (Philippine National Police) should revoke them immediately.”

Mendez and Anub have been subjected to inquest proceedings for physical injuries in relation to Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

The suspects claimed they confronted the victim for allegedly violating the ban on bicycles at the esplanade.

They further alleged that the victim started an altercation by punching them first, leading to the assault.

Domagoso condemned the guards’ actions, saying that even if the victim was wrong, they should have called the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.

The mayor said the assault was unacceptable.

While the mayor acknowledged the guards’ apology, he clarified that the final decision on forgiveness rests with the victim’s parents.

Despite the incident, Domagoso assured the public that the assault was an isolated case and that Intramuros remains a safe tourist destination.

(Photo courtesy: ManilaPIO)