MANILA–Two suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of two Japanese tourists here, local authorities announced on Aug. 18.
The slayings occurred on the night of Aug. 15 in the bustling Malate district of the Philippine capital.
The victims were identified as Akinobu Nakayama, 41, and Hideaki Satori, 53. Both men were shot and killed after leaving a taxi around 10:40 p.m. on Malvar Street, according to police.
Surveillance footage from the area shows a taxi stopping on the roadside. Moments later, two men exit the vehicle and suddenly collapse.
Bystanders are seen fleeing the scene, and a motorcycle carrying two individuals is spotted speeding away in the same direction as the departing taxi.
Police say the attacker approached the victims immediately after they exited the cab, opened fire and stole a bag containing cash and other belongings before fleeing on the motorcycle.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The following day, a resident reported an abandoned motorcycle near the crime scene.
Investigators confirmed it was the same vehicle used in the escape. Based on ownership records and witness testimony, police identified and apprehended the two suspects.
One of the suspects, reportedly a tour guide, is believed to have been riding in the taxi with the two victims prior to the attack.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact relationship between the suspects and the victims.
AloJapan.com