Amok Aussie apprehended

CEBU, Philippines — An Australian national was arrested by the police for malicious mischief last Wednesday evening in Sitio Santa Cruz, Barangay Poblacion, Santa Fe.

Benjamin Smitt, 40, was apprehended after he allegedly went wild and destroyed the furniture and items in his rented room.

Police Officer 3 Rico Reboquio said Smitt came to stay in the apartment on January 14, and then extended his stay, but later he asked for his money back from apartment owner Merialyn Sobis, 23.

"Nakig storya ni siya sa tag-iya sa iyang mga problema hangtod sa naabot ang storya sa iyang mga gibayad. Ganahan siya kuhaon iyang kwarta," said Reboquio.

He added that Sobis said she was willing to the advance payment to Smitt, but only after he had finished his stay.

This allegedly angered Smitt who then kicked down the door to Sobis' room.

"Pagkahuman ni lakaw daw sa iyang kwarto adto iyang gipangguba ang mga windows," Reboquio said.

After his arrest, Smitt, who accused Sobis of stealing his money, was brought by the police to the Bantayan District Hospital for a medical check-up, then later brought him to the Bantayan District Jail.

Reboquio also said that Smitt’s bail was set at P3,000, however, he has no relatives or anyone to file it. — Imarie Jane D. Madarieta, USJ-R Intern, BRP (FREEMAN)