Photo by The Nation/Asia News Network
MANILA, Philippines — Instead of facing charges for assault and battery, the two Filipino transwomen involved in a brawl in Bangkok may just be deported and obliged to pay a fine, said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega on Thursday.
De Vega, however, emphasized that the decision on the matter has yet to be finalized.
READ: Trouble in Bangkok as Filipino transgender group clashes with Thai peers
“Macoconfirm natin bago matapos ang araw ngayon, ang gagawin na lang ay ipapabayad na lang ng piyansa o fine yung mga assailants o yung mga Filipino transgender. Dalawa sila na kinakasuhan — pay fine tapos i-deport na lang,” said de Vega in an interview over Radyo 630.
(We will be able to confirm this before the day ends, but they are eyeing to just make the Filipino transgenders pay bail or fine. They are the two who are being charged — pay the fine and then just be deported.)
READ: DFA: 2 Filipino transwomen face assault, battery raps after Bangkok fight
De Vega, in a separate text message to INQUIRER.net, explained that this is regular procedure under Thailand law since “they accepted the charges.”
“Fine of 5K baht each being settled by [the] embassy,” he added.
Meanwhile, de Vega appealed to all Filipinos abroad: Don’t fight with the locals because that’s their territory.
“At saka, well… alam natin emotions can get very high, nandyan ang embassy para tulungan kayo. Pero importante na ‘yung magandang pangalan ng Filipinos sa ibang bansa ay i-maintain natin,” he explained.
(Also, well… we know emotions can get very high, the embassy is there to help you. But it is important that we maintain the good image of Filipinos in other countries.)
The brawl between Filipino and Thai transwomen occurred at a restaurant in Soi Sukhumvit 11 near Nana BTS station on Monday night.