Arrest of suspect in Japan tourist robbery sends warning, says PNP chief

The arrest of a suspect in the robbery of a Japanese tourist in Parañaque should serve as a warning to those targeting foreign visitors in the Philippines, Philippine National Police Acting Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Wednesday.

Nartatez said the San Dionisio Police Sub-Station immediately acted on the reported robbery incident involving a 62-year-old Japanese national identified as “Akira,” who was attacked near the shoreline area of the CAVITEX Access Road on the morning of 24 January.

The victim had arrived in the Philippines a day earlier, on 23 January, when he was robbed of key belongings, including his smartphone, cash, passport and other valuables.

Police said the suspect struck the victim on the head with a piece of wood before stealing his sling bag and fleeing the scene. Village responders rushed the injured tourist to Ospital ng Parañaque, where he remains confined.

Through CCTV backtracking and follow-up operations, police operatives identified and arrested the suspect, known as alias “Ariel,” 49, a vendor and resident of Barangay San Dionisio. He was arrested at around 6:30 p.m. on Monday, 26 January.

Authorities said all stolen items were recovered, including the victim’s sling bag, iPhone, passport and other personal belongings. The suspect was positively identified by the victim at the hospital, ensuring that the tourist’s property was fully returned.

“Crime perpetrated against local residents and foreign visitors will not be tolerated. We are here to safeguard everyone’s safety,” Nartatez said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng maagap at maingat na aksyon ng ating mga pulis, napanatili natin ang seguridad at proteksyon ng ating mga mamamayan,” he added.

Following the hospital identification, police said a complaint for violation of Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code, or robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, is being prepared for filing through inquest proceedings before the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office.

Nartatez said the arrest reflects the PNP’s commitment to its Focused Agenda, a transformation plan aimed at making police service more accessible and citizen-centered. He noted that enhanced management of police operations played a key role in the coordinated response that led to the suspect’s arrest and recovery of the stolen items.

“Our police force is committed to upholding the law and ensuring peace in all communities. Patuloy nating palalakasin ang tiwala ng publiko sa ating kapulisan sa pamamagitan ng agarang pagtugon sa mga insidente ng krimen,” Nartatez said.