Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday, August 19, vowed that justice will be served following the arrest of two suspects in the fatal shooting of two Japanese nationals in Malate, even as one suspect remains at large.
The attack happened on the night of August 15 along Malvar Street, where victims Akinobu Nakayama, 41, and Hideaki Satori, 53, were gunned down after stepping out of a taxi.
Authorities identified the suspects as brothers Abel Manabat y Nuqui, 62, and Albert Manabat y Nuqui, 50, both from Minalin, Pampanga.
“As we have promised the people of Manila, we may not stop all crimes at the very moment they happen, but we will make sure justice will be served,” Domagoso said in a press conference.
“Kapag ginawa ninyo sa Maynila, hahanapin namin kayo kahit nasaan kayo.”
The Manila Police District (MPD) filed murder and theft charges against the two suspects before the city prosecutor’s office, while a third suspect remains at large.
“Out of three initial suspects, we have apprehended two of the major participants in the crime,” Domagoso said.
The mayor expressed condolences to the victims’ families, assuring them of Manila’s commitment to seek justice.
“Taos-puso kaming nakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga biktima,” he said. “Nalulungkot kami na may mga ganitong nangyayari sa ating lungsod, but we guarantee you, no matter what, we will not rest until justice is served.”
Domagoso also admitted it was natural for foreign visitors to worry but assured that Manila remains committed to safeguarding both its residents and guests.
“Yes, it may be an isolated incident because sa tagal ng panahon, wala namang nangyaring ganito. This can happen in other countries, but one thing is for sure — justice will be served,” he said.
Police investigators said the Japanese tourists were targeted after being identified by a suspected mastermind based in Japan, who allegedly offered payment for their killing.
Authorities tracked the Manabat brothers through surveillance footage, witness testimony, and social media checks.
Domagoso said the arrests showed that law enforcement acted swiftly, and that Manila will continue to work closely with the Philippine National Police, the Department of Justice, and the Japanese Embassy to resolve the case.
“The guarantee to the people of Manila and those visiting is that kapag gumawa ng krimen dito, ang ikamamatay nila ay puyat — because we will not stop until they are caught,” he said.
