2 Britons in BGC melee charged

MANILA, Philippines - Two British men involved in a melee in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig that was caught on video and went viral online last Saturday have been slapped with charges of malicious mischief and physical injuries, police said yesterday.

Initial investigation conducted by the Taguig police showed that Sam Reynolds and Christopher Edwards were arrested for attacking a female security personnel of BGC identified only as Buenafe.

Taguig police chief Senior Superintendent Arthur Felix Asis said Rey-nolds and Edwards have been charged before the city prosecutor’s office.

Asis said the foreigners were released from detention Tuesday after posting bail of P4,000 each.

Reports said Reynolds was taken to the hospital for treatment of a broken rib.

Police said the Britons got mad at Buenafe when she accosted the duo for skateboarding in Terra Park on 28th street at past 5 p.m.

The two men allegedly insulted and shoved Buenafe,  who called for help. Another guard who tried to confiscate the skateboard was allegedly hit by one of the foreigners.

The Britons are reportedly planning to file counter charges.

Different versions

The video – one minute and 31 seconds long – showed that the Britons were manhandled by BGC security guards.

In the video, one of the foreigners appeared to be resisting the guards, who overpowered him and held him down on the ground. A BGC marshal was seen shoving him, while another kicked the Briton on the head.

Another version was posted by Julie Cachola on Facebook on the incident.

“I was there at the park when it started. A lady guard was asking them nicely to leave the park. The argument turned unruly when one of the foreigners went amuck and hit the lady guard several times,” she said.

“Please don’t blame the BGC guards for their action. They were just doing their job,” she added.

BESC regrets incident

For its part, the Bonifacio Estate Services Corp. (BESC), which oversees BGC’s community relations and security, yesterday expressed regret over the incident involving.

In a statement sent to The STAR, BGC program manager Monica Llamas said, “We regret this incident and apologize for the conduct of some of our marshals. We will take the necessary steps to discipline them and ensure that this is never repeated.”– With Janvic Mateo