Reporter beaten up at Mandaluyong mall

MANILA, Philippines - A STAR reporter was beaten up, reportedly by a group of vendors, in an Internet shop at a mall in Mandaluyong City Friday.

Rainier Allan Ronda, who sustained wounds and bruises on his face, said in his affidavit that security officers at the mall saved him from further harm.

At the mall’s security office, Ronda said Janomir Pacasum – the man who reportedly attacked him – as well as the man’s parents and friends allegedly continued to harass him.

The intervention of Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel prevented Pacasum and his group from inflicting more harm on Ronda, who is preparing to file charges of physical injuries, attempted homicide, alarm and scandal and grave threats against Pacasum and his parents; a certain Hadji Saripada, said to be the leader of traders at the mall; and three other men.

Ronda said he was checking his e-mails at the Internet shop when he asked Pacasum not to make too much noise as he was disturbing him and the shop’s other clients.

The request prompted Pacasum and his group to start attacking, Ronda said.