By Ariel Fernandez
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) security apprehended a British national after he got unruly inside of the exclusion room of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 2.
The foreigner, identified as Benjamin Hopkins, 27, was charged before the Pasay City Prosecutors Office for malicious mischief, direct assault, and resistance and disobedience to a person of authority.
Reports from the Police Intelligence and Investigation Division of the Airport Police Department showed that Hopkins, a resident of 14 Gresham Road, London, was allegedly denied entry by Hong Kong Immigration for being heavily drunk, and was a transit passenger to Manila for London on Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight.
According to PAL officials, Hopkins was brought to the exclusion room while waiting for his flight to London when he destroyed some accessories inside the toilet, using a mop stick as he broke the mirror, sink and toilet paper carrier.
Janet Lagat, PAL security officer, called the attention of SPO1 Daryl Unida and SPO1 Von Ryan Gabon to pacify Hopkins. But instead of calming down, Hopkins resisted and assaulted the airport policemen who had no choice arrest him and charge him at the Pasay City Prosecutors Office.
APD officials said the British Embassy in Manila was already informed about his case.