2 Iranians beat up customer in Pasay casino

MANILA, Philippines - Police officers arrested two Iranian nationals after they attacked a customer at a casino in Pasay City early yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Pasay police chief, identified the suspects as brothers Hamed Mohammadi Tehran, 27, and Hamid Mohammadi Tehran, 19, both students. The two are staying at the Column Tower 2 in Makati City.

A report from the Pasay police said that at around 4:15 a.m., Keith Laurence Po, 34, was playing baccarat with his wife at the gaming room of Resort World Casino Manila along Andrew Avenue in Barangay Villamor.

Hamed suddenly grabbed Po’s shoulder and twisted his arm while Hamid kicked Po in the stomach.

The casino’s security officers intervened and the incident was immediately reported to the Police Community Precinct 8.

Po was brought to the Pasay City General Hospital for treatment of hematomas in the belly and flank.

Petrasanta said the brothers claimed they mistook Po for someone who figured in a previous conflict with them. Charges of physical injuries are being readied against the two suspects, who are in police custody.   – Rhodina Villanueva