'Money hunt challenge' sparks violence, turns into physical confrontation
- A "Money Hunt Challenge" by an online vlogger has led physical scuffles as participants race for hidden cash
- While creators claim the trend is a way to help the needy, critics argue it exploits poverty for social media views and followers
- Sociologists warn that the stunt creates a power imbalance and "normalizes" the struggle of the poor for entertainment purposes
- Authorities are concerned about the safety of these uncoordinated events, citing risks of injuries and public disturbances
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A viral online trend known as the "Money Hunt Challenge" is drawing intense public scrutiny after recent videos surfaced showing the interactive social media stunt descending into physical altercations and chaotic scrambles.
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What began as an effort by content creators to distribute small financial gifts has sparked a heated debate regarding ethics and the safety of public participation.
The challenge typically involves a vlogger hiding varying amounts of cash, ranging from small bills to several hundred pesos, in public locations such as parks, street corners, or behind posters.
The creator then posts a teaser or the exact location on social media, prompting followers to race to the site.
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While many of these events end with smiles and expressions of gratitude, recent footage has documented a darker side.
In several instances, participants have been seen shoving, tackling, and wrestling one another to claim the prize.
One viral clip shows a group of men nearly crushing each other as they rush a vehicle, while another depicts a heated scuffle over a hidden envelope behind a wall.
Content creators, such as those from the Cabuyao, Laguna area, defend the practice as a way of "paying it forward."
One vlogger noted that the income generated from the views and followers gained through these stunts is often cycled back into more giveaways, helping those who struggle to afford basic necessities like rice or fuel.
However, sociologists are raising red flags. Experts argue that while the intent may seem charitable, the visual of people desperately chasing after small amounts of money highlights a profound power imbalance.
Dr. Gerald Abergos, a prominent sociologist, pointed out that normalizing the sight of individuals struggling over cash for entertainment risks dehumanizing those in financial distress.
The trend has also raised safety concerns among local authorities. Large, uncoordinated gatherings in public spaces can lead to accidents or impede traffic, as seen in recent reports from Laguna.
Critics argue that if the primary goal were truly to help, the aid could be distributed in a more dignified and orderly manner without the need for a camera or a competitive "hunt."
As the "Money Hunt" continues to dominate social feeds on February 4, 2026, the conversation remains split between those who see it as a modern form of the "Bayanihan" spirit and those who believe the spectacle of poverty should never be a source of profit or entertainment.
In other news, a 29-year-old man from San Jose was taken into custody after an alarming incident where he reportedly doused a responding police officer with fuel at a gas station in Amlan. Despite being struck in the face with gasoline, Police Corporal Rohenio Carbo maintained his composure and successfully restrained the suspect with the assistance of his partner. Investigations revealed that the individual was also allegedly involved in a motorcycle theft and a separate attempted stabbing earlier that same evening. The suspect now faces a series of complaints including carnapping and resisting arrest, while the injured officer is currently being monitored and reported to be in stable condition.
Still in other news, police in Baguio City have apprehended a 25-year-old construction worker following a late-night physical altercation that left his 44-year-old colleague with serious injuries. Investigators believe the outburst was a reaction to a prolonged period of verbal harassment and personal mockery directed at the suspect by the victim. The injured worker is receiving emergency care at a local hospital, while the younger laborer remains in a detention facility as authorities prepare formal charges. Early reports suggest that the conflict began during a group gathering earlier that night on Magsaysay Avenue before escalating further at their shared residence.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
