Suspect who mauled, robbed Japanese man in Parañaque arrested — SPD

The Southern Police District (SPD) on Tuesday said the suspect who mauled and robbed a 62-year-old Japanese man has been arrested in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

In a statement, the SPD identified the suspect as 49-year-old “Ariel”, who was arrested in a subdivision on Monday evening.

Recovered from the suspect were the victim’s sling bag, an iPhone 14, earpods, a Japanese passport, identification cards, an ATM card, a boarding pass, assorted Japanese coins, among others.

Ariel was brought to the hospital where the victim positively identified him.

A complaint for robbery with violence or intimidation of persons under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code is being prepared against the suspect, according to the police.

On Sunday morning, the victim identified as Japanese tourist “Akira” was assaulted near the shoreline area of CAVITEX.

Based on Initial investigation, the victim was repeatedly struck on the head with a piece of wood by an unidentified male suspect. The suspect grabbed the foreigner’s sling bag containing personal belongings before he fled.

Barangay responders brought the injured victim to Ospital ng Parañaque.

Police conducted investigative and follow-up operations including CCTV backtracking that led to the generation of a clear image and description of the suspect.

A hot pursuit operation against the suspect was launched.

“Criminal acts will not go unanswered. The immediate arrest of the suspect sends a clear message that the SPD will relentlessly pursue offenders and protect everyone within our jurisdiction, regardless of nationality,” SPD chief Police Brigadier General Randy Arceo said. — BAP, GMA Integrated News