Two brothers allegedly carried out the fatal shooting of two Japanese nationals in Malate, Manila, in exchange for a promised P9-million payoff from a Japan-based mastermind known to the victims.
The suspects, Abel and Albert, claimed during police interrogation that they were instructed to execute the killings by an individual they called “Boss,” the Manila Police District (MPD) said on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
The victims, identified as Akinobu Nakayama, 41, and Hideaki Satori, 53, had just alighted from a taxi in front of a hotel in Malate when they were gunned down.
Abel and Albert immediately fled the scene aboard a motorcycle.
Investigators traced Abel through multiple CCTV recordings from the hotel premises, Adriatico Street, and Pasay City.
His brother Albert, identified as the gunman, was caught on camera along Pedro Gil Street removing his facemask, which led to his identification.
Despite the alleged P9-million deal, the suspects said they had only received P10,000 as initial payment.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso presented the two suspects to the media at the City Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 19.
“Nalulungkot kami na meron pa ring sumusubok sa Maynila, but we guarantee you that no matter what happens, we will never rest until justice is served,” Domagoso said, commending the joint efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP), MPD, and other agencies involved.
Further investigation revealed that Abel served as the victims’ tour guide and also worked as a driver for the alleged mastermind during his visits to the Philippines.
“Siya mismo ‘yong sumundo dito sa airport, siya rin ‘yong naghatid sa hotel, siya rin ulit ‘yong sumundo dito para dalhin doon sa mismong lugar na ‘yon kung saan nabaril itong dalawang Japanese national,” MPD spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines said.
“Meron tayong nakuhang impormasyon na ‘yong nag-utos nito ay nasa Japan at ‘yong tawag nila si alias Boss,” he added.
During the presentation of Abel and Albert to the media, MPD Station 5 chief Col. Alfonso Saligumba said the suspects were instructed to plan the crime in advance.
“Initial investigation disclosed na itong ating Japanese nationals ay papunta ng Pilipinas. Ngayon, ‘yung contact ng ating suspect ay nasa Japan also. Ininstruct n’ya na may parating diyan na dalawang Japanese nationals, sunduin mo, and then you plan out for the execution of these two Japanese nationals,” Saligumba said.
Both suspects are now facing charges of murder and theft.
The MPD said investigation on the crime is still ongoing. (Patrick Garcia)
