Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

Pasay police confirms arrest of Taiwanese mastermind in brutal Manila 'chop-chop' case

Jeff Caparas

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The alleged mastermind behind the gruesome killing and dismemberment of a Chinese national whose remains were stuffed inside a drum in Binondo, Manila was arrested on Thursday, February 19, according to Pasay City police.Police arrested the Taiwanese national, identified as the principal suspect in the so-called &quot;chop-chop&quot; case, inside a hotel in Parañaque City around 1:30 p.m.Known by the alias “Davao,” the 32-year-old Taiwanese was caught with the help of his live-in partner and hotel management.In a statement, authorities said the victim was identified by the alias “Xiangyang,” a Chinese national, through an supermarket membership card recovered during the investigation.This after the police also recovered <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/19/police-recover-suspected-weapons-used-in-manila-chop-chop-case-1628">a steel hacksaw and a chopping knife </a>believed to have been used in the dismemberment of Xiangyang&#x27;s body parts in a trash area on the 15th floor of a building, after being discarded by the suspects.“Actually tinapon nila ‘yan dito sa may lagayan ng basura, ngayon na-recover ito ng cleaner doon, &#x27;yung tagalinis. Kasi nung makita niya doon mayroon nakalabas na dulo ng yung lagare,” said P/Col. Joselito De Sesto, city Chief of Police.Davao was brought to the Investigation and Detective Management Section for documentation before being taken to the Pasay City General Hospital for physical examination. Inquest proceedings are being prepared before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.Southern Police District (SPD) director P/BGen. Randy Arceo said the case shook the public conscience.“This case was a disturbing act of violence that shook the public conscience. Prior to this development, our personnel were able to arrest the lead suspect involved in the disposal of the victim’s remains, which proved vital in building the case and eventually leading to the capture of the mastermind behind this crime,&quot; he said.&quot;The arrest sends a clear message that no individual, regardless of nationality or circumstance, is beyond the reach of the law. I commend the Pasay City Police and all supporting units for their discipline, perseverance, and professionalism in ensuring that this suspect is brought before the courts to answer for his actions,&quot; he added.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/16/chop-chop-na-katawan-ng-lalaki-na-nakasilid-sa-drum-natagpuan-sa-maynila-0908?fbclid=IwY2xjawQDs0NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJ5TnROWTJGTXVtajNZTlhQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhfLY6XRK9j4z_Sb1KfVjE6PFBW8zWbfLSb6pY3hwNWXI0JmdEGe7X1tS2gq_aem_qP_qUlaGc8R1sbhWkNDR9w">Chop-chop na katawan ng lalaki na nakasilid sa drum, natagpuan sa Maynila</a></div>

The alleged mastermind behind the gruesome killing and dismemberment of a Chinese national whose remains were stuffed inside a drum in Binondo, Manila was arrested on Thursday, February 19, according to Pasay City police.

The alleged mastermind behind the gruesome killing and dismemberment of a Chinese national whose remains were stuffed inside a drum in Binondo, Manila was arrested on Thursday, February 19, according to Pasay City police.

Pasay police confirm arrest of Taiwanese 'mastermind' in 'chop-chop' case

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Pasay police confirm arrest of Taiwanese 'mastermind' in 'chop-chop' case

Ched Rick Gatchalian,

Jeff Caparas,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 19, 2026 05:19 PM PHT

Read More:

Taiwanese

Mastermind

Crime

Chop-chop case

Chinese national

Pasay

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