Three men, including two brothers in the their 40s, have been accused of beating up and pointing a gun at a 15-year-old boy inside the Mantasida National High School in Catigbian.

The suspects brothers Ronie Hicale, Sr., 43, and James Hicale, 43, and the former’s son Ronie Jr. were charged for violating Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).

According to Catigbian police chief Insp. Yolando Bagotchay Jr., the victim along with his friends made fun of Ronie Senior and Junior by throwing stones at them on Monday.

The following day, the three Hicales were reportedly about to report the incident to barangay officials but chanced upon the victim at the school.

This reportedly led to a fist fight between the Hicales and the victim who was helped by one companion.

The three however ended up mauling the 15-year-old while Junior allegedly pointed a gun at the victim, based on witnesses’ statements.

Senior and James were arrested by police on Tuesday afternoon after a concerned citizen reported the mauling incident to authorities.

Junior surrendered to police later in the day.

However, no firearm was recovered from the suspects.

The three men were placed under the custody of the Catigbian police. (ad)