Therapist denies harassment plaint

CEBU, Philippines - The massage therapist accused of harassing a female tourist from Manila denied touching the private part of his client in a massage parlor in IT Park last Monday.

Mark (not his real name) lamented that in his 13 years of being a massage therapist, this is the first time that he was accused of harrassment.

“Wa gyud ko kahinumdom na minghikap ko sa iyang private part,” Mark said, referring to the 21-year-old female tourist from Lucena City, who accused him of touching her private part during a massage session on May 27.

He said he is supporting his family but his services have been suspended by the management of the massage parlor following the complaint.

“Forty-five minutes ra man ‘to na session. Ambot, galibog ko sa ilang motibo nganong giduot ko nila,” the massage therapist said in a GMA 7 Balitang Bisdak interview.

The female tourist earlier said that she was scared when the therapist touched her private part but she did not scream for fear that the therapist might harm her.

The complainant’s lawyer, Aaron Pedrosa, is preparing the criminal charges to be filed against the massage therapist.

The complainant also filed civil charges against the management of the massage parlor and administrative charges against  Mabolo policemen who allegedly made fun of her when she reported the incident.

Chief Insp. Ryan Devaras, chief of Mabolo Police Station, however, denied the allegations.

“Wala ma’y pag-buga-bugal nahitabo. Kapila na ‘na siya niari unya karon lang siya ningreklamo na gibugal-bugalan siya,’ said Devaras adding that they are willing to face the complaint. — (FREEMAN)