Japanese fugitive wanted for child abuse arrested in Cavite

A 43-year-old Japanese man wanted in his home country for alleged child abuse has been arrested in Cavite, authorities said.

In an exclusive report on "24 Oras" by John Consulta on Friday, the suspect, whose name was not disclosed, was apprehended through a joint operation by the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group and the Bureau of Immigration-Fugitive Search Unit.

Authorities said the suspect had been staying in the Philippines for some time, but his case in Japan surfaced only recently.

“Yung kaso niya sa Japan ay may ginahasa siya na mga menor de edad. Very alarming ito,” said Rendel Sy, chief of the BI Fugitive Search Unit.

(In his case in Japan, he allegedly raped minors. This is very alarming.)

Authorities said the suspect allegedly gave toys and food to children, and some were reportedly seen entering his room.

“Doon sa kanyang bahay, may mga laruan na pang-bata… maaring ginagamit niya na pang-lure sa mga bata upang sumama sa kanya sa bahay,” Sy said.

(Inside his house, there were children’s toys… these may have been used to lure children to go with him to his home.)

Further investigation into the suspect’s computer allegedly uncovered images and videos involving minors.

“May mga nakita po tayong mga biktima na mga kabataan… siguro mga 6 years old lang yung mga batang yun,” Sy said.

(We saw victims who were minors… some of the children in the videos appeared to be around six years old.)

BI operatives said they are coordinating with their Japanese counterparts for a deeper investigation into the materials recovered.

The suspect is currently detained at the BI detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig.

“Sisiguraduhin po natin na managot muna siya dito sa ating batas bago natin siya ipabalik sa Japan,” Sy said.

(We will ensure that he is held accountable under our laws first before he is returned to Japan.) — Sherylin Untalan/VBL, GMA News