Youth groups clash, throw bottles, right after simbang gabi

• Groups of youths clashed in Santa Cruz, Manila after Simbang Gabi, allegedly triggered by hostile stares
• A viral video showed bottles being hurled along Quezon Boulevard, forcing motorists to avoid the area
• Barangay officials said similar disturbances occurred for two consecutive days in the same location
• Police quickly intervened, leading to the arrest of several minors who were later turned over to the DSWD

Chaos briefly unfolded in Santa Cruz, Manila early Wednesday morning after several groups of youths figured in a violent confrontation following Simbang Gabi.

Bottles were thrown across the road, creating panic among motorists and pedestrians in the area.

According to initial accounts, the clash allegedly began after the groups exchanged hostile looks.

In a report by Jhomer Apresto aired on "24 Oras" on Friday, a viral video circulating on social media captured youths hurling bottles at each other in the middle of Quezon Boulevard during the early hours of Wednesday.

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Because of the disturbance, motorists avoided passing through the area for fear of being hit by flying objects.

Barangay officials said the youths involved had just come from attending Simbang Gabi at Quiapo Church.

Authorities also revealed that the same location had been the site of similar riots for two straight days, raising concern among residents and local leaders.

Despite the intensity of the altercation, barangay officials said police were able to quickly restore order because officers were already stationed nearby at Plaza Miranda. No motorists or civilians were reported injured during the incident.

“Wala pang one hour kasi na-respondehan po kaagad ng mga pulis natin dito sa Plaza Miranda kaya natigil kagad sila. ‘Yung iba hindi naka-uniform para hindi mahalata na may nakabantay,” says Barangay 307 executive officer Venerando Jangalay.

Two youths were apprehended during the first day of the disturbance, while five more were arrested on the second day.

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All those taken into custody were minors and were subsequently placed under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“Kasi ‘yun din ang kuwento ng batang nahuli namin. Nagkatitigan lang daw sila, magkabila silang grupo,” says Jangalay.

He also warned that some youths concealed weapons inside umbrellas, prompting authorities to be more vigilant during patrols.

Barangay officials said patrols and monitoring in coordination with the police will be intensified to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

In an earlier KAMI report, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) was said to be examining around 40 luxury vehicles allegedly linked to the family of Sarah Discaya. The probe was initiated after a viral interview in which Discaya showcased their collection of high-end cars. Authorities are reviewing importation documents, particularly the listed consignees, to determine if any violations were committed. Discaya has also been connected to contractors involved in flood control projects that are currently under Senate investigation. Separately, reports recently confirmed the death of former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.

Meanwhile, Korina Sanchez-Roxas caught public attention after sharing a post on her Instagram account. The photo showed her posing in front of a palace-like structure during a visit to Disneyland. In a playful tone, Korina referenced a past controversy in her caption. She opened her post with the line "My P10 Million Palace," which many viewed as a subtle nod to allegations previously raised against her by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh