A violent brawl in the early hours of Sunday, January 4, 2026, left three street dancers, one of them a minor, injured and in need of hospital treatment in Cebu City. The incident occurred in Barangay Luz while the victims were practicing for the upcoming Sinulog festival.
Dancers Ambushed During Rehearsal
According to the investigation by the Mabolo Police Station, the assault happened around 2:00 AM. The three dancers were practicing inside a school in Barrio Luz when a group of young men suddenly arrived and ganged up on them.
The attackers physically beat the performers, resulting in their injuries. One of the suspects was allegedly armed with a sharp weapon, which caused wounds to the heads and faces of the victims.
Swift Arrest and Identities Revealed
A teacher accompanying the dancers immediately called barangay tanod (watchmen), who responded quickly and apprehended five suspects on the spot. Four of the five individuals taken into custody are minors.
The injured dancers were identified as Jounelyn Alforque Margallo, 21; James Ryan Nethan Rabanes Pipeto, 21; and an alias "Mike," 17. All are residents of Barangay Luz in Cebu City.
The suspects were named as Cid Marl Aboyme, 21; and four minors identified by their aliases: Raf, 15; Ren, 17; Rille, 16; and Mar, 17. They are also all from Barangay Luz.
Aftermath and Ongoing Probe
The violent encounter also resulted in damage to the dancers' performance props. The three victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment and recovery.
All five suspects are currently under the custody of the Mabolo Police Station as the investigation into the rambol (brawl) continues. Authorities are working to determine the precise motive behind the sudden attack on the Sinulog practitioners.
