The Japanese government, through its Embassy in Manila, has expressed its gratitude to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla for the deportation of its four nationals who are facing various criminal charges in Japan.
In a letter dated Feb. 9, 2023, Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your utmost understanding and steadfast cooperation in the deportation cases of the four (4) suspected Japanese nationals. The resolute leadership you have shown will not be forgotten by the Japanese government.”
Ambassador Kazuhiko also told Secretary Remulla: “In light of your impeccable service to the Filipino people, I wish you continued strength in passionately pushing forth to lead the country towards a brighter future. I am certainly looking forward in further enhancing our close ties in order to holistically deepen, strengthen, and enhance Philippine-Japan relations in all aspects.”
A copy of the letter was made available to journalists covering the DOJ by Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV.
The Japanese government has been seeking since 2019 the deportation of the four Japanese who are wanted in Japan on charges of robbery, fraud and theft.
But they remained detained at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) because of the pendency of criminal cases filed against them in courts. Pendency of a criminal case in court against a foreigner bars his deportation until the case is resolved.
Believing that the pending cases in Philippine courts have been contrived to keep the fugitives from being deported, Remulla ordered government prosecutors to withdraw the cases before the various courts. The pleas were granted by the courts.
The first to be deported were Imamura Kiyoto and Fujita Toshiya who left together last Tuesday morning, Feb. 7. Last Wednesday, Feb. 8, deported were Tomonobu Saito and Yuki Watanabe.
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