Case # MGKJ88891
The barangay police were called in after a series of complaints of a wild animal appearing in the area and attacking bystanders. The attacks all happened within the span of two weeks, all at nighttime, and with increasing frequency. All in all five incidents were reported as follows.
Tuesday, March 2, 1976 – Ma. Mapeso was walking home from school when she heard something flying overhead. The girl described the creature as having long wings like those of a bat, she managed to run away from it, but not without sustaining minor cuts and bruises.
Thursday, March 11, 1976 – After coming back from a party Jun Tesoro was inebriated. He was found beside a tree very close to his home by his sister, Monica. The victim could not remember what it was that attacked him, but long, black hairs were found all over his body.
Monday, March 15, 1976 – Boy Calizo was not able to see the animal attack him, as he said it was very dark along the street. The victim complained of bite marks all over his shoulder area and left arm.
Wednesday, March 17, 1976 – Melody Refol’s screams were heard by most of the street when she was being attacked. Eyewitness accounts say that the animal was large and had black fur. Fortunately bystanders were able to assist her and the animal flew away .
Thursday, March 18, 1976 – The victim, Roberto Diangson, had the most extensive account of his attack. He was taking a walk at 9 o clock in the evening. The victim heard a strange sound and was frightened, he saw the animal hover. It resembled a giant bat. He said that the creature then attacked him and wrestled him to the ground. The victim repeatedly tried to fend off the attack, but the animal’s long nails kept digging into his skin. The animal had tried choking him and the marks were still visible on his neck the following morning. He shouted for help at a nearby house and when the occupants arrived, the animal had disappeared.
All victims had similar versions of the creature that attacked them and only Melody Refol had eyewitnesses to corroborate her story. The other cases could be explained by a larger than normal bat, but the victims disagree with that theory. They said that no bat would be able to attack them in that manner.
Subsequent attacks have been reported in the same area, with similar descriptions of the animal in 1977, 1979, 1981 and 1983.
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Inspired by ‘Encounter with a Wakwak.’ in Philippine Folk Literature: The Legends. Eugenio. 2002.
Wak-wak (Aklan) Illustration by Ysa Peñas
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