DOJ wants cases vs. 4 Japanese dismissed to facilitate deportation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) wants the cases against the four Japanese nationals, who are suspected of being masterminds of illegal activities in Japan, to be dismissed in order to facilitate their deportation.

According to Maki Pulido’s “24 Oras” report on Wednesday, the department said it has asked the prosecution to dismiss the cases because individuals who have pending cases in the Philippines cannot be deported.

“Some of the cases are in court already and we don't control their discretion in the judiciary side so we have to file the necessary motion through our prosecution service and then it's up to the judge whether they will dismiss the cases or not,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said.

The DOJ said the Japanese government requested the four suspects to be deported at the same time.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is currently investigating the cellphones, laptops, and other gadgets found in their detention facility in Taguig.

The BI personnel guarding the facility are also under investigation.

“It's probably too early to give information about actions on the people umaandar ang imbestigasyon at kapag may makita tayong tauhan ng BI na complicit sa mga illegal activities inside the warden facility then deifnitely sila ay makakasuhan,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will turn over the confiscated mobile phones to the Japanese government who will conduct the forensic investigation.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos is scheduled to make a state visit to Japan in February. However, this issue will not be part of the discussion, the Palace said.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News