Wealthy scions figure in feud

A son of businessman Peter Lim was accused of mauling the youngest daughter of businessman Benson Dakay Monday noon at the computer room of an exclusive school where they are enrolled.

Dakay's daughter Marie Cecille, 18, reported the incident to the Mabolo police station at past 3 p.m. last Monday and identified Peterson Lim, 20, as the alleged perpetrator.

But Pedro Leslie Salva, the lawyer of Peter Lim, said whatever Peterson did was done in self-defense because "it would be more shameful if a man would be mauled by a woman."

Marie claimed that she and Peterson were good friends. But lately they had a "misunderstanding over something" she refused to reveal, so Monday noon, Peterson reportedly waited for her at the computer room and then attack her.

"Naglagot siya nako kay nasakpan siya nga namakak," Marie said, adding that when she entered the room Peterson approached her and for no apparent reason pushed her face onto the table and then against a glass wall.

Not contented, Peterson allegedly punched her face, hit her left ear and then pulled her hair before pushing her against the room window's jalousie blades. He also allegedly kicked the left side of her body, reportedly uttering to her "nagsalig ka nga Dakay ka?" to which she retorted: "Hambugero kaayo ka da!"

A medical certificate issued by the Cebu City Medical Center revealed that Marie had injuries on the upper quadrant of her left breast and contusion posterior auricular area on the right.

Salva said Peterson and Marie had a conflict and that last Monday noon Peterson reportedly went to see Marie supposedly to patch up whatever differences they had.

"While talking to her, gisiko siya sa babaye maong iyang gipugngan ang ulo, but gisiko naman sad siya naigo sa left eyebrow. So he pushed her aron dili na siya masakitan," Salva said.

Salva said they are just waiting for whatever would be the move of Dakay's camp and insinuated that if ever the case can be settled amicably they are open to the option.

But Marie said her parents are now conferring with their lawyer for the filing of a criminal case against Peterson and that they are also set to file a complaint before the school board so that an investigation could be done for the possible expulsion of Peterson. Marie said many classmates can act as witnesses in her favor and that at least five of them are willing to help her.- Ryan P. Borinaga