Drifter beaten up for two thefts

MANILA, Philippines - A man who claimed to be new to the city was beaten up by residents of Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City yesterday after he twice tried to steal money and a cell phone from two barangay officials.

Police identified the suspect as Joseph Bongait, 39, a native of La Union and with no permanent address.

Barangay secretary Baby Nabo, 27, said they decided to let Bongait spend the night at the barangay hall after he said he did not have any relatives in the city. Barangay watchmen said they caught Bongait in the act of taking P200 from a drawer in Nabo’s table.

Bongait asked Nabo for forgiveness, saying he needed money to go home to Baguio City. Nabo said she pardoned the suspect, who was later released.

But while waiting for a resident who offered to give him money for his trip home, Bongait was allegedly seen by residents stealing the cell phone of barangay councilwoman Melinda Gappud.

The residents took turns beating him, and the arrival of police officers saved him from further harm. Bongait is in jail while charges are being readied against him. – Jerry Botial