2 Iranian nationals detained for assault

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Two Iranian nationals were detained after they reportedly harassed the city licensing officer, reporter and  crew of a radio network who were covering the closure order of the suspects’ business establishment Saturday afternoon in this city.

Police Superintendent Diomarie Albarico, City Police Office Deputy director, identified the suspects as Mohammad Ali Riza Maghimi, 30, and Abdelkamal Aryan Sahidani, 33, both Iranian nationals who have been temporarily staying in this city and were operating an eatery house and videoke bar.

Police investigation disclosed that city licensing officer Benjie Barredo was implementing the closure order on Lengs’ Carinderia owned by the subjects along Pilar Street following complaints from the adjacent establishment of its illegal videoke operation about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

One of the suspects allegedly attacked and shoved Barredo during a commotion.

Bhong Simbajon, a reporter of the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), said his television crew Paul Gotib, who happened to be around as their station was just nearby responded to cover the incident.

“However, one of suspects also attacked and collared my crew,  taking and damaging  his camera equipment in the process,” Simbajon said.

Police immediately arrested the two Iranian nationals and temporarily detained them at the city police office pending inquest proceedings.

“The two subjects have been detained for grave coercion, malicious and disobedient to an agent of authority,” Albarico said.

Simbajon said they will be filing robbery and physical injury raps against the two subjects while they have requested the immigration office to check on the background of the two detained foreign nationals. - Roel Pareño