DFA aiding 2 Filipino transgender facing charges over Thailand brawl

Two Filipino transgender are facing charges in Thailand over an alleged altercation with Thai nationals, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday. 

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the Filipinos are now under the custody of Thai police and are facing charges of assault and battery. 

“We're trying to make it low-key, para either ma-dismiss or bigyan na lang ng life sentence tapos i-deport,” said de Vega in Sandra Aguinaldo’s “24 Oras” report. 

Another Filipino transgender, who was only supposed to pick up a food delivery, got involved in the violent fight after around 100 Thai nationals “attacked” her on Tuesday evening. 

The victim said she was not aware of the recent spat between the groups and denied that the physical altercation stemmed from customer rivalry. She did not disclose further information. 

The spat, based on local reports and social media posts, began when reportedly around 20 Filipinos attacked four Thai nationals. But the  DFA said the incident involved only three Filipinos and two Thais.

For its part, the DFA said it will extend assistance to the Filipinos.

“Siya naman ang victim. Kinuha ang passport niya, pinag punit-punit pa raw,” said De Vega.

(She’s the victim here. She said her passport was torn.)

Some of the remaining transgender Filipinas transferred hotels while others decided to go home to the Philippines. 

The DFA issued reminders to Filipinos in Bangkok. 

“They're not supposed to work there. We should avoid conflict with the locals and just follow the law,” de Vega added. —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News