Japanese nabbed at Manila airport for slapping immigration officer

By Ronron
November 7, 2007

A Japanese national was nabbed last Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City for slapping a female Immigration officer, police said on Wednesday.

Police said Isao Sato, 53, was about to board the Philippine Airlines Flight PR-408 bound for Kansai last November 5 when he displayed discourteous acts at the Immigration counter.

According to a police report at Camp Crame, the Japanese was going through the passport clearing process at NAIA II when the incident happened at around 10am.

Sato allegedly stood at the left side of the booth of Immigration Officer Suzette Saplad after submitting to the latter his passport for verification. But Saplad directed him to stay in front of the booth where passengers are supposed to be.

Sato allegedly complied but not without stumping his hands on the booth. And when he got his passport, he suddenly slapped it on the face of Saplad.

Police said there was no reason cited by the Japanese why he did it.

Immediately, Saplad filed a complaint against the Japanese for violation of Article 148 (Direct Assault) and Article 359 (Slandr by Deeds) of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

The complaint was referred to the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office on the same day but the latter issued a release order for Sato, citing lack of material evidence such as the medical certificate of Saplad, and the sworn statement of the security personnel who witnessed the incident.

This prompted the police stationed at the airport to release Sato last Tuesday.

The case, however, will continue as police intends to submit the required document in the coming days.

Although, they are no longer sure if Sato is still in the country or has already fled.

PO1 Roland Mondido of the airport police said the act of disrespect shown by Sato is rarely seen at the airport./DMS