THE DAVAO City Police Office clarified that the incident involving a balut vendor at 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 25 initially reported as a robbery was actually self-inflicted.
Captain Hazel Caballero Tuazon, DCPO spokesperson, said the CCTV footage caught the incident and proved the supposed victim lied about her version of the event.
“Contrary to her claims, there was no male suspect involved, no pepper spray used, and no assault with a ballpoint pen. Instead, it was discovered that the victim inflicted the injury on herself using a blade, which was later recovered at the location where she was selling balut,” the DCPO statement said.
Accordingly, the balut vendor was sprayed with an unknown substance believed to be pepper spray in Agdao District on Sunday around 9:45 p.m. in front of Rose Bakeshop in Barangay Jerome.
Jerlyn, 29, told police that an unidentified man approached her while she was selling balut and sprayed her in the face. Blinded, she felt a tap on her shoulder before the assailant fled the scene.
Angel, a 21-year-old bakeshop attendant, witnessed the incident and noticed blood on Jerlyn’s shoulder. Despite Angel’s insistence on calling for help, Jerlyn declined, believing the attack was a retaliation for a previous argument with a customer.
Jerlyn sustained minor injuries and was brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center for treatment.
Police investigators are currently investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments to identify the suspect.
Photo courtesy of DC Responders/ DC Public Information page
