Camille Naredo

Article (news)

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Two Filipino brothers tagged in the killing of two Japanese nationals in Malate, Manila on Friday, August 15, were brought to the Manila Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday to face complaints of robbery and murder.According to the Manila Police District, the suspects were allegedly hired by a certain “Alias Boss” based in Japan, who reportedly paid them a large sum to carry out the killings.The suspects, aged 50 and 62, were arrested Monday morning in Minalin, Pampanga.Authorities revealed that the younger brother was the gunman, while the older suspect acted as a tour guide for the victims.“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,” said PMaj. Philipp Ines, spokesperson of the Manila Police District.Investigators say the assailants were paid for the killings.“Meron tayong nakuhang impormasyon na ‘yong nag-utos nito ay nasa Japan at ‘yong tawag nila si Alyas Boss. Isa sa nakuha nating information, itong dalawang ito ay pasaway sa kanilang kompanya. Di lang natin alam kung anong kompanya ang tinutukoy,” Ines added.A staff member at a nightclub confirmed the identity of the gunman.“No’ng pagkabaril, ang sabi sa amin, walang makikialam. Kami tumakbo na kami kasi baril ‘yan, natakot na kami. Pero ‘yong tinakbuhan ko is malapit lang sa pinangyarihan kaya namukaan ko ‘yong gunman,” said the witness.While the suspects have remained silent, their lawyer questioned the legality of the arrest.“The crime happened on a Friday and our clients were arrested three days after on a Monday. So ang legal stand namin, the arrest was illegal. Dapat PI (Preliminary Investigation) na ito. Regular filing, hindi dapat sila naaresto,” said Atty. Noli De Pedro, legal counsel for the suspects.The MPD however maintained that the arrests were within the bounds of law.“Hayaan natin na mag-decide ‘yong piskalya kung tama ba o hindi tama ang ating ginawa pero naninindigan kami na ito ay legal at ang ginawa natin ay tamang pag-aresto base sa hot pursuit operation,” said PMaj. Ines.Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism strongly condemned the incident, offering condolences to the families of the victims and urging government agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.The local government of Manila has also extended its condolences to the families of the victims.“Kami’y taos pusong nakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga biktima... Nalulungkot kami na meron pa ring sumusubok sa Maynila but we guarantee you no matter what we will not rest until justice is served,” said Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.Authorities are still searching for a third accomplice.

Two Filipino brothers tagged in the killing of two Japanese nationals in Malate, Manila on Friday, August 15, were brought to the Manila Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday to face complaints of robbery and murder.

Two Filipino brothers tagged in the killing of two Japanese nationals in Malate, Manila on Friday, August 15, were brought to the Manila Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday to face complaints of robbery and murder.

Killers of Japanese nationals in Manila allegedly paid by ‘boss’ in Japan

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Killers of Japanese nationals in Manila allegedly paid by ‘boss’ in Japan

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 19, 2025 07:21 PM PHT

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