Of “Geng Geng” And “Young Stunnas:” Who Decides Who Gets to Stay in BGC?

(SPOT.ph) Bonifacio Global City (BGC) has long carried a reputation as Metro Manila’s most “sosyal” district—wide sidewalks, manicured greens, and very Instagrammable buildings. Lately, though, that image has been colliding with a word that’s taken over our feeds: “geng geng.” We're sure you've seen the discourse.

The term “geng geng” has been circulating on social media for years, but it gained traction this January following viral posts showing groups of young people being questioned or escorted out of Bonifacio High Street. Online, it’s often used as shorthand for groups of teenage boys in baggy streetwear, often linked to hip-hop culture. The word itself is local slang rooted in “gangster.” You’ll also see the term “young stunna” used alongside it, in reference to someone who stands out for their style.

In comment sections, both labels have taken on a more loaded meaning, usually paired with often unfair assumptions about violence, theft, or harassment, even when no specific act is shown. More posts warning about the rising presence of geng gengs have since appeared on Facebook and other platforms.

Multiple videos shared on Facebook, TikTok, and Threads show BGC marshals approaching groups of teenagers, asking them to leave the premises. In one viral clip, the group was seen crowding near the newly opened Manila Portal along High Street. It’s unclear what they were up to before the video started recording, but they were asked to leave all the same.

This has caused some users to raise concerns about social profiling, or the act of judging people based on appearance or perceived background—such as age, clothing, or the way they’re grouped—rather than on actual behavior.

Police have since stepped in to clarify one thing: teenagers won’t be arrested just for how they’re dressed. According to Taguig Police Chief Jerson Castillo, police will only intervene when they become disruptive. He noted that unruly incidents involving these groups are often a result of heated arguments rather than outright crimes.

“Minsan nagkakaroon ng heated argument ang mga bata pero aanuhan agad ng mga marshals sa BGC at PNP,” Castillo told News5, adding that most individuals being referred to as “geng geng” are 17 years old and below. In such cases, he said minors are brought to the police station and later fetched by their parents.

As for who is allowed to stay within BGC, Castillo said that decision falls under property management, noting that the area is private property managed by Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation.

Also read: This 24/7 BGC Portal Lets You Interact With Strangers From Around the World

In BGC, it’s normal to see people in styled, sometimes even over-the-top outfits, taking photos, and hanging out in public for hours. No one really bats an eyelash. It’s become one of the few places in the metro where people feel comfortable expressing themselves through fashion, without worrying about being seen as “too much.” The teenagers being labeled as “geng geng” are no exception—many appear to be there for the same reasons as everyone else.

This has led some to ask why a certain look is being treated as a problem, when trend-hopping is widely practiced across classes—from Uniqlo basics and Adidas sneakers to the latest Pop Mart collectibles. For them, the line being drawn becomes rather arbitrary.

“Let kids explore self-expression through fashion. Dali-dali naman turuan ‘yan ng disiplina without banning them completely,” one user wrote on X.

“BGC can maintain safety and order without profiling. If someone breaks the rules, address the behavior—don’t pre-emptively label and exclude people. These are still kids,” another user wrote on X.

It also doesn’t help that Metro Manila has very few clean, walkable spaces where young people can hang out freely without having to spend money. With limited options, it’s not surprising that groups like those now tagged as “geng geng” gravitate toward places like BGC.

To be fair, this fear is not completely baseless. There are also videos showing specific incidents where some groups are seen being rowdy, punching each other in the middle of High Street.

Residents have voiced out against the accusation of discrimination. They say this isn’t something they’re judging from a clip or a caption—they’ve seen it happen around them. Fights breaking out, groups shouting and running through walkways, people scrambling to get out of the way. In family-heavy areas like Serendra, that kind of chaos feels especially jarring. For them, intervention feels necessary.

“The gengeng/stunggaz issues in BGC is not on socioeconomic status. It's on moral issues and security risks they post on anyone in BGC,” another user wrote on X.

When asked whether formal complaints had been filed over the past few days, however, Castillo did not confirm any, but said he understands why BGC management might take precautionary steps involving minors.

At the end of the day, it’s worth asking where our fear is really directed. Worrying that lower-income kids hanging out in public spaces might snatch a bag feels misplaced in a country where far more powerful people routinely get away with stealing public funds. If we’re going to be strict about accountability, maybe it shouldn’t start with who looks out of place but with who actually causes the most damage.

Also read: Eating on a Budget in BGC? It's Possible at Sundry Food Hall's New Branch