2 Japanese face mauling charges

MANILA, Philippines - Two Japanese officials of a local anti-crime group landed in jail yesterday after they were accused by a male marketing staff of beating him up in front of a videoke bar in Malate, Manila early morning yesterday.

Takeshi Sugimoto, 45, and Nobuhi Takemoto, 52, chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of Manila-based J-Riders Civic Action and Assistance to Police Crime Watch, are now detained at the General Assignment Section (GAS) of the Manila Police District while their lawyers are working on their bail.

GAS chief Senior Inspector Marcelino Reyes said Romeo Boy sought police assistance after he was beaten up by the two Japanese in front of the Night Princess KTV Bar along Adriatico street in Malate. Boy said the Japanese was infuriated when they mistook him as listening to their conversation with three Filipina women. Boy alleged Takemoto, who is burly at almost six feet tall, bodily raised him up and butted him in the head, which resulted to his swollen face.

Through their Filipina interpreter, the Japanese denied beating Boy and claimed the head-butting allegation was unintentional since Takemoto slipped on the pavement and hit his head with Boy’s.

The Japanese said they have no previous encounter with the law and that they are the coordinators and financiers of the anti-crime watchdog affiliated with the Manila police.

Reyes said the inquest fiscal recommended charges of physical injury against the two Japanese.    – Nestor Etolle