Authorities have arrested a foreign national tagged as the alleged mastermind in the gruesome killing and dismemberment of a Chinese national whose remains were stuffed inside a blue drum and discovered in Binondo, Manila on Feb. 15.

Pasay City Police Chief Col. Joselito De Sesto identified the suspect as Davao, 32. He was arrested inside a casino along Seaside Boulevard in Parañaque City on Thursday, Feb. 19.

De Sesto said Davao was arrested with the help of his live-in partner, as well as hotel and casino officials during continued follow-up operations.

He said Davao was identified as responsible for the gruesome killing and dismemberment of the victim, identified as Xiangyang, a Chinese national.

The city police chief said the victim’s identity was established through an S&R Membership Shopping Card recovered during the investigation.

According to De Sesto, the victim, who was allegedly involved in an online scam, incurred a huge debt with the suspect, which led to an argument during a drinking session.

He said a steel hacksaw and a chopping knife, believed to have been used in the dismemberment of Xiangyang’s body parts, were recovered from a trash area on the 15th floor of 2201 Residence Condominium after they were discarded by the suspects.

“Actually, tinapon nila ‘yan dito sa may lagayan ng basura. Ngayon, na-recover ito ng cleaner doon (Actually, they threw the hacksaw and chopping knife in the trash bin, and these were later recovered by a cleaner),” De Sesto said.

Davao was brought to the Investigation and Detective Management Section for documentation and the filing of a case before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.

Meanwhile, Southern Police District Director, Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo said the case was a disturbing act of violence that shook the public conscience.

“Prior to this development, our personnel were able to arrest the lead suspect involved in the disposal of the victim’s remains, which proved vital in building the case and eventually leading to the capture of the mastermind behind this crime. The arrest sends a clear message that no individual, regardless of nationality or circumstance, is beyond the reach of the law. I commend the Pasay City Police and all supporting units for their discipline, perseverance, and professionalism in ensuring that this suspect is brought before the courts to answer for his actions,” Arceo said.

TECO

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila clarified that the alleged mastermind in the gruesome killing of a Chinese national in Manila is not a Taiwanese citizen.

In a statement, TECO said the suspect earlier identified by the Pasay City Police as a 32-year-old Taiwanese national named “Davao” was, in fact, a Chinese national who used a fake Taiwanese passport to conceal his true identity.

According to TECO, it immediately initiated verification procedures upon receiving reports that a Taiwanese national was involved in the so-called “chop-chop” incident.

“Following verification, our officer visited the suspect to conduct consular checks. During the interview, he was unable to provide a valid Taiwan national identification number and admitted that he is a Chinese national,” TECO said.

The suspect also allegedly confessed that he purchased the fraudulent Taiwanese passport through the Telegram messaging application.

TECO lauded the Pasay City Police for their swift coordination and professionalism, which helped ensure accurate identification and prevent the spread of misinformation.