THE suspect who choked a 19-year-old commuter aboard a Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) on Monday, February 10, 2025, along Ulas, Davao City, will face charges of physical injury and grave coercion under Article 286 of the Revised Penal Code, as reported by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Investigation Section.
In a report sent by Baliok Police Station to dxDC RMN Davao, the charges against the 26-year-old suspect, identified as “Renz,” who claimed to be going through something in life, were filed on Tuesday, February 11.
Contrary to earlier claims by witnesses and netizens, the DCPO clarified that the incident cannot be classified as “hostage-taking” since no weapons were involved, and there were no demands made that would constitute a hostage situation.
“We want to make it clear that there was no hostage situation. The suspect, identified as alias Renz, boarded the jeepney and choked the victim without any apparent reason. No weapons were involved, and no demands were made that would constitute a hostage scenario. Investigations revealed that the suspect was intoxicated and dealing with personal issues following the recent death of his live-in partner, leaving him as the guardian of their two children,” acting city director Police Col. Hansel Marantan said in a statement.
The DCPO urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information online, as jumping to conclusions without proper investigation could cause unnecessary panic and confusion. They also stressed the importance of allowing the police to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the facts.
Based on the videos circulating online, the victim, identified as "Alyza," can be seen as the only passenger in the vehicle when the suspect choked her without apparent reason. However, she managed to escape unharmed and ran to safety. DEF
