Tanods arrest, release diplomat

CEBU, Philippines - Barangay tanods of Poblacion, Talisay City yesterday dawn arrested a foreign national reportedly for running amok in Carmen Village, barangay Poblacion.

The Talisay City Police, however, immediately released Mohammad Abdula Almagbi, 50, temporary residing at a beach resort in barangay Poblacion, after presenting documents which showed that he is a diplomat.  Diplomats enjoy immunity from certain local laws.

Police, meanwhile, refused to give more details about the foreigner.

Mae Auza, 43, a resident of Carmen Village and Almagbi's girlfriend informed tanods about the incident following the foreign national's uncontrollable behavior.

Almagdi was reportedly drunk at the time of the incident.

Jingzon Zabal, Roel Tabelon, Lucilo Deiparine, and Noel Villoria arrested the suspect and took him to the police station.

Tabelon, in a police blotter, said Almagbi slapped him twice during the arrest.

Almagbi, however, in a separate blotter, negated Tabelon's claim and said it was the latter who slapped him.