Drunk helper attacks Karla Henry

MANILA, Philippines - Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry was attacked by a drunk helper at a Mandaluyong City condominium where she owns a unit yesterday morning.

The Fil-Canadian beauty queen’s pageant mentor, Rodgil Flores, said Henry, 25, had just parked her car and was alone when she was attacked near the stairway of the Anaheim Tower 2 at the California Gardens Square condominium at around 6 a.m.

Henry shouted and was heard by security guards, Flores added.

Senior Superintendent Armando Bolalin said helper Jerome Quibuyen, 29, “was reeking of liquor when he stabbed Henry” with a broken beer bottle. He said Henry apparently caught the suspect’s fancy.

Police Officer 2 Donald Banez said the suspect, who he identified as Jherome Canibas, is just a helper from Tarlac province who happened to pass by the condominium.

Quibuyen was arrested and charged with frustrated murder before the city prosecutor’s office.

Punctured lungs

Henry was rushed to the Victor Potenciano Medical Center (formerly the Polymedic General Hospital), Flores said. She was later transferred to the St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) in Taguig City.

Flores, who visited Henry at the SLMC, said the beauty queen’s lungs were “slightly punctured” and tubes were attached to her body to remove the air that seeped into her lungs through her wounds.

Henry’s condition was described as stable. Flores said while Henry was initially in shock, she can now talk. Henry’s family and friends are with her at the hospital, Flores added.

Henry, a native of Cebu, bested 84 contestants to become the first Filipino to win the Miss Earth crown. – With Non Alquitran