Massage therapist arrested for ‘inappropriate’ touching

CEBU, Philippines - A massage therapist was arrested after a Japanese national alleged he touched her private parts while he was giving her a massage on Wednesday evening at F. Cabahug St., Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City.

Eligeo Labisto, 23, a native of Danao, Bohol who temporarily stays in Barangay Lahug, is currently detained at Mabolo Police Station following the complaint filed by the 26-year-old foreigner.

Senior Inspector Hartzel Billedo, chief of Mabolo Police Station, said the victim alleged that during the massage session, the suspect took off her underwear, put it under the pillow and touched her private parts.

The victim allegedly told Labisto beforehand not to touch her there, but the suspect still did.

“Niingon daw siya daan nga ayaw. There is allegedly an initial resistance on the side of the victim,” Billedo said.

Labisto denied the accusation, saying he was doing his job properly.

“Nag-massage ko og tinarong unya nireklamo akong customer nga gihikap nako ang iyaha. Natapsingan ra nako mao nireklamo siya,” he said.

If the complaint was true, the Japanese national could have shouted at that time, he contended.

“Nisyagit unta siya kon gibastos nako siya. Ara na siya nireklamo paggawas niya,” he said.

He said that in the establishment where he has been working at for nearly two years, both male and female therapists can handle female customers.

Labisto’s workmate who requested not to be named defended the suspect, saying it was impossible for Labisto to intentionally touch the private parts of the customer.

She added they did not hear anyone scream at the time the Japanese national was being massaged.

She said that during a massage, their customers may not wear anything on top, but the bottom part will always be covered with underwear and a towel.

She added that the therapist will always reach up to the groin of the customer but the latter can always request him or her not to.

“Di malikayan nga ma-touch ‘na ang bugan kay kutob gyud na dira. But never na nahitabo nga naa’y nireklamo nga customer. Pwede ra man sila moingon nga ayaw lang dira kay gilok,” she said, saying this has been the first time they received such complaint from a client.

Labisto said he is eager to talk to the Japanese national and ask for forgiveness.

“Tagaan ko niya og chance kay lisod na kaayo,” he said.

Billedo said the case of the Japanese national is currently being handled by the Women and Children’s Protection Desk of Mabolo Police Station.

She said the victim is willing to file charges for acts of lasciviousness against the suspect.  (FREEMAN)