American faces child abuse charge in Baguio City

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines—An American official of Camp John Hay Golf Club (CJHGC) is facing a maltreatment complaint filed by a 13-year-old boy, who accused the American of manhandling as the boy sold food in the golf course in place of his sick mother.

The boy, a student of the Baguio City National High School, said he was selling food inside the golf course because his mother, who did it for a living, fell sick. On September 3, the boy said he was  confronted by Steven McDonald, golf club manager.

In his affidavit, the boy said on that day, McDonald dragged him so hard that he hurt his right leg and dropped the packed lunch he was selling to caddies in the golf course.

In his counteraffidavit, McDonald denied the accusation and asked the city prosecutor to dismiss the complaint.

“While it is my duty to enforce the rules and regulations of the CJHGC, I see to it that in enforcing [these] I will not violate laws of the Philippines as well as human rights of any individual,” said the American.