A shocking incident of violence stemming from an unpaid debt unfolded in San Fernando, Cebu, on Friday afternoon, December 26, 2025, leaving a family traumatized and sparking outrage online after a video of the assault went viral.
Violent Confrontation in Barangay Sangat
The victim, identified as Mark Louie Ersan Reyes, a 30-year-old habal-habal driver from Greenhills, San Fernando, was on his motorcycle with his pregnant wife and child. They were reportedly on their way to the house of the person he owed money to settle his debt. Suddenly, their path was blocked by the suspect, Hutch Enad Manugas, a 43-year-old HVAC helper residing in the area.
Without warning, Manugas allegedly began punching and assaulting Reyes right in front of his terrified family. The incident occurred at around 4:00 PM in Barangay Sangat, San Fernando City. Despite pleas from witnesses to stop the attack, the suspect continued his violent assault, which was captured on video by a bystander.
Debt as the Motive and Viral Fallout
According to the investigation led by Police Major Michael Gingoyon, chief of the San Fernando Municipal Police Station, the root cause of the attack was financial. The suspect was enraged because Reyes had not yet paid back the money he had borrowed. The video clearly shows the victim not fighting back during the ordeal.
After the footage spread rapidly on social media and gained significant attention, the suspect turned himself in to the authorities at 8:10 PM that same night. The public exposure and pressure from the viral video directly led to his surrender.
Legal Consequences and Potential Additional Charges
The San Fernando police are now preparing a case of Physical Injury against Hutch Enad Manugas. Furthermore, authorities are studying the possibility of filing an additional charge of child abuse. This consideration is due to the fact that the violent act was committed in the presence of the victim's young child, potentially causing psychological trauma.
This case highlights how personal disputes over money can escalate into public violence, with devastating effects on families. It also underscores the power of social media and citizen documentation in holding perpetrators accountable.
