Embassy confirms 2 Japanese killed in suspected robbery

The Japanese embassy on Monday confirmed that two Japanese citizens were killed in a suspected robbery in Manila over the weekend.

“We express our condolences to the deceased and we are currently coordinating and confirming the details of the incident with the Philippine authorities, and are providing support to the bereaved family members of the deceased,” it said in a statement sent to GMA News Online.

The two were shot to death Friday night by an unknown assailant in Malate around 10 p.m., police said.  

Reports said the man ordered the two to get out of the vehicle and shot them afterwards.

Their belongings were taken by the assailant, who escaped via motorcycle with a companion, police added.

The embassy of Japan on Monday urged its nationals in the country to exercise caution after the incident

Task Group Malvar

The Manila Police District (MPD) has activated Special Investigation Task Group Malvar following the fatal shooting.

The authorities confirmed the arrest of one suspect and identified another person of interest.

According to the MPD, the incident occurred on August 15, 2025, around 10:45 p.m. along Malvar Street, near Mabini Street, in front of the Sheraton Hotel in Barangay 699.

Initial reports revealed that the victims, who were temporarily staying at Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City, had boarded a taxi cab before the attack.

Police later recovered the suspects’ getaway vehicle, abandoned at the corner of Malvar Street and Taft Avenue.

Continuous backtracking of CCTV footage yielded crucial evidence, including images of the suspected gunman buying a cigarette from a street vendor and briefly lowering his face mask, which allowed for identification. 

A witness, who also executed an affidavit, confirmed seeing the same suspect shoot the victims and shout “walang makikialam” (nobody interfere) while pointing a gun at bystanders before fleeing the scene.

Authorities said the identified gunman, now in custody, had been spotted frequenting areas along Pedro Gil Street before the crime. 

The person of interest, described as a tour guide, was traced through multiple CCTV recordings in locations including Sheraton, Adriatico Street, and Pasay City. 

Coordinated efforts with hotel management and the Japanese Embassy resulted in the identification of the second suspect through government-issued identification.

Investigators are also looking into whether the robbery aspect of the case was staged to conceal a more deliberate, targeted hit. –with a report from Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA Integrated News