Two of the three suspects in the shooting incident in Malate, Manila, which killed two Japanese nationals, have been arrested and presented before the media on Tuesday, August 19.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso recounted the incident, which took place at around 10:40 p.m. on August 15, along General Malvar Street by a hotel. Initial reports indicate that the victims, Akinobu Nakayama, 41, and Hideaki Satori, 52, were targeted upon alighting from a taxi. An assailant opened fire at close range and stole the victims’ belongings, fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.
Suspects Abel Manabat and Albert Manabat were brought before the media, their faces obscured behind cloths and face masks.
Manila Police District (MPD) Malate Station Commander PLTCOL Alfonso Saligumba III said the police had traced the taxi used in the incident, identified its driver, and learned from him that the two victims were picked up from a hotel-casino. Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Abel Manabat, had accompanied them.
Abel Manabat told police that a friend of his, for whom he would always chauffeur, had ordered the assassination for ₱9 million, said Saligumba. Manabat then recruited cohorts, one being his brother, Albert Manabat. The mastermind is a contact in Japan, the station commander added.
“‘May parating diyan na dalawang Japanese national, sunduin mo. And then you plan out for the execution of these Japanese nationals,’” Saligumba said, speaking as the contact issuing the order.
In addition, he told reporters that before the Japanese nationals arrived in the Philippines, the suspects were already preparing for the assassination.
“Initial investigation disclosed also na before dumating ‘yung ating foreign nationals dito sa Pilipinas, nagco-conduct na ng casing surveillance itong grupo nila, at hinahanap na nila ‘yung mga spot na puwede nilang gawin ‘yung assassination,” he stated.
A possible motive for the assassination may be betrayal, Saligumba said.
Furthermore, he revealed that the victims arrived in the country around August 14 and lodged at another hotel-casino. They were regular visitors who would, once every month or every two months, fly to the Philippines to play in the casinos.
The suspects will be facing murder and theft charges.
