Man arrested for assaulting cashier in Manila eatery

ANGRY CUSTOMER TURNS SHEEPISH SUSPECT Encinas at the Manila police headquarters on Friday. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines – The laundry shop owner who was caught on a security camera allegedly assaulting a cashier in an eatery in Manila earlier this week was arrested Thursday and charged appropriately, police said.

Police Officer 3 Jayjay Jacob of Manila Police District’s General Assignment Section (GAS) said John Paul Encinas, 27, was arrested at a village (barangay) hall along Vito Cruz corner Osmena Highway around 5:30 p.m.

The Manila Mayor’s Office said the arrest was made on orders of Mayor Alfredo Lim, whose help was sought by the victim, Marjorie Reynaldo, through the intercession of a local television network which featured the CCTV footage that caught the entire incident.

Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo, MPD spokesman, said GAS later filled charges for physical injury, unjust vexation, and slander by deed against Encinas allegedly asaulted Reynaldo by pulling her clothes, throwing bottles and water at her, and slapping her face with money.

Reports said that Encinas had just finished eating inside the eatery along P. Ocampo Street in Taft Avenue, after which Reynaldo asked for his payment.

Encinas, however, had to get money from his car and requested that he pay at a later time.

Reynaldo refused his request, asking him whether he would allow the same system in his laundry shop.

Encinas returned an hour later and drank a glass of water. But when Reynaldo reminded him about his payment, Encinas allegedly threw a glass of water at Reynaldo. He left the restaurant and returned a few moments later only to pull Reynaldo by her shirt, crash her into the counter and throw a bottle of water before slapping her face with money.

Following his arrest, Encinas admitted his mistake and said sorry on national television. He, however, added that he hoped Reynaldo also learned her lesson.

“Siguro tao lang po kaya nagagawa po iyun… nagsisisi ako sa action pero sana nabigyan ko din siya ng konting lesson,” Encinas told GMA News.

Encinas is now detained at MPD’s GAS, Jacob said.