Canadian nabbed for assaulting woman

A Canadian national was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman outside a mall in Barangay Hipodromo, Cebu City Sunday afternoon.

The victim, Janet Vino, a native of Pampanga City and currently residing in Lahug, Cebu City, personally reported the incident to Mabolo Police Station. She reportedly suffered bruises because of the incident.

Vino narrated that she was on her way to a mall on board her car when the suspect identified as Benjamin Besaw Micheal, 30, suddenly punched the front portion of the vehicle.

He also hit the back portion three times, prompting Vino to disembark and confront the suspect.

"Ang Canadian is very drunk… I asked him, what was that for? And he did not like it and he was like, stop complaining, 'If you want money, I'll give it to you. Just go back to your car and besides, all Cebuanos are prostitutes and can be paid for'," Vino narrated.

Furious, Vino told Micheal to repeat what he said and she will record it. This irked the foreigner. He attempted to punch her face but Vino was able to cover with her arms. She sustained bruises on her arms.

Not contented, the suspect also kicked Vino in her stomach which also injured her.

He ran but Vino chased him and asked for help from a taxi driver identified as Euvin Gimena.

"He tried to get inside sa taxi and tried to punch me but 'kuya (Gimena) caught all his punches so siguro na frustrate siguro siya and started punching kuya," said Vino.

Gimena also suffered several bruises in his back and nape.

Luckily, an off duty policeman who saw the incident immediately helped the victims until Mabolo policemen responded and arrested the suspect.

The police are also checking reports that the suspect has a previous record of assaulting women but allegedly settled it with money.

Senior Police Officer 3 Jeffrey Larrobis, case investigator, said slander and physical injuries charges will be filed against the Canadian. —

Ermida Q. Moradas/MBG