A 19-year-old Japanese national was arrested in Cebu City for allegedly kidnapping a 17-year-old girl.
Aside from kidnapping, the girl's parents also accused him of rape.
While the suspect was awaiting the processing of charges against him at Mabolo Police Station, he agreed to an interview with GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak based on condition to have his identity withheld.
The Japanese national said that he and the girl met through a dating application, where the girl reportedly pretended to be 18, or of legal age.
He said that they developed a romantic relationship.
After four months, he decided to meet the girl personally in Cebu, visited her at home, and met her parents.
He said he invited the girl to the condominium where he is staying in Mabolo, but the parents did not agree.
However, the girl in a chat message, told him she would come to the condo, so he met her.
The suspect said a sexual encounter between him and the girl happened. He apologized for the incident, but the girl’s parents got mad at him.
It was too late, he said, when he learned that the girl is still of minor age. He vowed he would marry the girl once she reaches legal age.
The news team was not able to interview the complainants as they were not around at the police station and that their location is said to be confidential. But based on investigation done by the Mabolo Police, the parents complained against the suspect for kidnapping with rape on December 29, 2025.
The parents accused the foreigner of duping their child by promising to marry her, just so the girl would come to the condo, and consummate the sexual desire.
When the mother located the condo, a citizens arrest was implemented. The suspect was handed over to the authorities.
The Mabolo Police have already coordinated with the Consulate of Japan on the case, said Police Major Eric Gingoyon, chief of Mabolo Police Station.
