Cebu massage therapist accused of being ‘the-rapist’

A male massage therapist was arrested in Cebu City Thursday over accusations he raped a Japanese client.

But the suspect, identified as Elegio Labisto, tearfully denied the allegations, GMA Cebu reported Friday.

An investigation showed the Japanese woman went to the massage parlor in Barangay Kasambagan where Labisto worked, and asked for a massage.

The Japanese accused Labisto of removing her underwear and touching her private parts. She said she tried to resist him but he was too strong.

"Hindi ko hinawakan," Labisto said, adding the Japanese woman even slept for two hours.

Labisto's workmates defended him, saying he could not have risked causing a scandal as there was another client nearby, and that only a curtain separates the clients.

"Tahimik lang daw ang No. 2 dahil nasa No. 1 lang ang kasama ko," said one of the workmates.

"Imposibleng nahaplos ang kanyang maselang bahagi, imposible ang paratang niya na na-rape siya ng kasama ko," added another workmate.

Police said they are investigating the incident, and may charge Labisto with acts of lasciviousness if the Japanese's complaint has basis. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News