Korean arrested for "hitting" taxi driver

CEBU, Philippines - Police arrested an alleged Korean national for alleged drunkenness, punching a taxi driver, and for breaking a motorcycle mirror Wednesday evening along A.S. Fortuna Street in barangay Banilad, Mandaue City.

Bang Kyoung Sook, 33, a student of Cebu International Academy in A.S. Fortuna St., Bakilid Mandaue City, was taken by a SWAT team to the Subangdaku police station.

At the start, he allegedly prevented taxis from entering the premises of a hotel near his school.

Taxi driver Romie Sabior, 40 of Lawaan III, Talisay City said he was about to drive through the driveway of the hotel when Sook blocked his way and then struck the front part of his taxi.

Sabior said he rolled down his window and asked, “What happened, sir?”

He said the Korean, instead of replying, punched his face and the front window of his car.

After the incident, Sook crossed the street and went to a restaurant where his companions were dining.

Retchie Tayong, 31, who was on his way home on his motorcycle that same evening, said Sook blocked his way.

When he tried to avoid the man, Tayong said Sook’s hand caught the motorcycle’s side mirror.

Sook denied all the allegations and said he was the victim.

He said the taxi hit him, the reason why he got angry and punched only the front window of the taxicab and not the driver’s face.

Sook also alleged he did return the side mirror.

He kept it for a while as proof that the motorcycle also hit him when he was about to cross the road from his school.

Charges for drunkenness, malicious mischief, and damage to property are now being readied against him.

Sook is being detained at the Subangdaku police station.  - THE FREEMAN