The deportation of Japanese nationals involved in the "Luffy" case has been processed, as clarified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. before his visit to Japan.

In an interview with the reporters, Marcos made the clarification when asked about the "timing" of the deportation of two of four Japanese fugitives on Tuesday, prior to flying to Tokyo for an official visit, which the President described as a mere "coincidence."

According to the chief executive, the deportation was made following Japan's appeal and he believed that the latest development would facilitate a smooth trip to Japan.

Marcos also said that the Philippine government basically followed the same criteria as extradition.

"Although hindi na natin ginawang extradition kasi ang request nila para mas mabilis mag-deport na lang. So that’s precisely what we did," the president said.

Japanese suspects Fujita Toshiya and Imamura Kiyoto were flown back to Tokyo on a Japan Airlines flight on Tuesday.

The two other suspects, Tomonobu Saito and Yuki Watanabe were deported Wednesday night after their local cases in the Philippines were cleared.

The Japanese fugitives were suspected members of a crime ring involved in violent robberies in Japan.

According to Japanese media, Watanabe, the suspected mastermind known as "Luffy," allegedly directed the break-ins in Japan via an encrypted messaging app while detained at a Manila immigration facility.

The deportation of the Japanese suspects is a consular matter handled by Manila and Tokyo, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs, and will not be raised during Marcos' visit to Japan.