Two Filipino suspects confessed to being paid PHP10,000 as a down payment to assassinate two Japanese tourists in Malate, Manila.
What’s the real motive?
Manila authorities revealed that robbery was not the real motive in killing the two Japanese tourists in Malate, Manila on August 15.
The Manila Police District (MPD) Station 5 confirmed the arrest of the second suspect, who allegedly served as a “tour guide” for the victims.
They have announced that the alleged killing was orchestrated by a “boss” residing in Japan.
Two Filipino brothers, identified as the perpetrators of the crime, have been apprehended and are now facing legal repercussions.
On Monday morning, August 18, the suspects, aged 50 and 62, were apprehended in Minalin, Pampanga.
On Tuesday, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, accompanied by Police Colonel Alfonso Saligumba, the chief of MPD Station 5, unveiled the suspects, identified as brothers Abel, 62, and Albert Manabat, 50.
The police have provided a comprehensive account of the roles played by the two brothers in the crime. It is believed that the younger brother was the gunman.
In contrast, the older sibling reportedly served as a tour guide for the victims, which gave him a direct connection to them.
The Manila Police District (MPD) said that two men were paid a substantial sum by an unidentified individual in Japan, known as “Alias Boss,” to commit the killing.
How much did the ‘Alias Boss’ pay the suspects?
According to Police Colonel Alfonso Saligumba, the suspects confessed that they were hired by a Japanese national for a sum of ₱9 million to assassinate the two individuals.
He stated : “The suspects said they were promised ₱9 million, but they had only received ₱10,000 as down payment.”
He revealed that the Japanese mastermind, currently residing in Japan, had been in contact with one of the suspects whom he had known for years.
As authorities continue their search for a third accomplice, the case has stirred strong reactions from government officials.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno condemned the heinous crime, while the Department of Tourism called for a thorough investigation and extended condolences to the victims’ families.
