Taylor Kitsch victimized in Indonesia, deputy justice minister confirms

MANILA, Philippines - Denny Indrayana, Indonesian deputy minister for justice and human rights, said yesterday they have identified the Indonesian immigration officer who allegedly harassed Canadian-born actor Taylor Kitsch.

The erring official is being interrogated and faces sanctions if found guilty, the Indonesian official said, according to a news item posted at abs-cbnnews.com.

Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon said the Indonesian official‘s statement confirmed that Kitsch’s allegation on the “Late Show with David Letterman” that an unidentified Customs officer demanded that he be given an iPhone in exchange for not being sent to Japan, his post or origin, did not happen in the Philippines.

“It goes to show that fairness dictates that before we condemn, we should first determine veracity,” Biazon said.

He also reiterated his call for Kitsch and Letterman to at least issue a clarification, for the error that has tarnished the image not only of the Bureau of Customs but the entire country.

“ While some may regard it as a minor matter to even give attention to, please know that for a country such as ours, it has a major impact on governance, tourism and national pride. A correction from the show will surely reap the appreciation of the Filipinos living not just in the motherland but in the United States as well, where they comprise a significant number of the immigrant population,” Biazon’s letter to Letterman, which was e-mailed to the television network CBS stated.

“We are hoping that this matter will be given your preferential attention and immediate action, in the interest of fairness. Your show enjoys a steady viewership in the Philippines, and those who watch ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ will definitely appreciate the correction,” he added.