Police arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with the violent robbery of a Japanese tourist, an incident Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. characterized as a warning to those targeting foreign visitors.

The victim, a 62-year-old Japanese national identified by the pseudonym “Akira,” was attacked on the morning of 24 January near the CAVITEX access road shoreline, just one day after arriving in the country.

Police said the suspect struck the victim on the head with a piece of wood before stealing a sling bag containing a smartphone, cash, a passport and other valuables. Village responders took the injured tourist to the Ospital ng Parañaque, where he remains confined for treatment.

Operatives from the San Dionisio Police Sub-Station used closed-circuit television footage to track the suspect, identified by the alias “Ariel,” a local vendor. He was apprehended at approximately 6:30 p.m. Monday. Authorities said they recovered all the stolen items, including the victim’s iPhone and passport.

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

The victim identified the suspect while at the hospital. Authorities are preparing a complaint for robbery with violence under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code, to be filed through inquest proceedings at the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office.

Nartatez credited the arrest to the PNP’s “Enhanced Managing Police Operations,” a strategy focused on rapid response and coordinated actions.

“Our police force is committed to upholding the law and ensuring peace in all communities,” Nartatez said. “We will continue to strengthen public trust through the immediate resolution of crimes.”