Bandar Seri Begawan - A 28-year-old Filipino national is currently being treated in the hospital for injuries from what appears to be an attack at the back of the SKH Department Store in the busy Gadong commercial area.

The victim claimed he was attacked by more than 10 armed men.

According to the victim's girlfriend, the man was allegedly induced by a girl who reportedly asked him to smell the back side of her palm, which allegedly left the man in a submissive state.

The girlfriend of the victim said she believed that the man was "under some spell during their brief encounter in the afternoon.

As the girl took the man behind the SKS Department Store, it was alleged that he was brutally attacked but managed to flee to a hotel nearby in the hope of seeking assistance, before collapsing.

"I received four stitches on the back of my head as I recall one of the men bashed my head using an iron pipe," he claimed.

The victim also had several bruises on his body and a swollen eye and lips following, the alleged assault.

The police have confirmed receiving a report about the case and are investigating.