3 Chinese vendors beat up couple at Manila mall

MANILA, Philippines - Three Chinese garment vendors were arrested yesterday after they allegedly beat up a couple, also garment vendors, over the placement of their goods in their stalls at a mall in downtown Manila.

Manila Police District Station 11 commander Superintendent Ferdinand Quirante said Wu Feng Nong, 61; Zhang Bing Jie, 18; and Wu Yung Xie, 20 were charged with violation of Republic Act 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, and frustrated homicide before the city prosecutor’s office.

The three were detained at the station pending their transfer to the Manila City Jail.

Police said victims Michael and Vina Lim were at their stall in the 168 Mall when the incident happened at around 2:30 p.m.

Vina told police she noticed that the Chinese vendors’ goods were placed so as to conceal her wares from the customers’ view. She decided to ask the owners of the neighboring stall to move their goods.

The Chinese vendors refused and allegedly scolded Vina for making such a request. A heated argument took place and one of the suspects allegedly grabbed Vina by her hair and hit her in the stomach.

Michael said he saw the attack and tried to intervene, but one of the suspects allegedly grabbed hold of him and started slamming his head against the concrete. He said the suspect repeatedly threatened to kill him.

Police officers arrived and arrested the three suspects.

The couple were treated at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center for bruises and scratches on the head and body. Blood was oozing from Michael’s ears and nose, police said.

Responding MPD Station 11 policemen pacified the two groups and arrested the three Chinese.