Suspect in Japan Accused of Commissioning Murders of 2 Local Residents in Manila

Last week, a shocking incident took place in Manila, Philippines, as two Japanese men, Hideaki Satori (53) and Akinobu Nakayama (41), were fatally shot near their hotel.

According to investigative sources, a Japanese national living in Japan is suspected of being the mastermind behind the murders. This individual, yet to be identified or apprehended, is believed to have hired two local brothers for the heinous act.

The 50-year-old shooter, identified as Albert Manabat, was arrested by Philippine authorities, along with Abel Manabat, a 62-year-old tour guide who was a driver for the Japanese suspect[2][3][7].

The Manila police have revealed that the suspects were paid a substantial sum for their involvement in the shootings. The brothers received an initial payment of 10,000 pesos, approximately 230,000 yen, with a total reward of around 23 million yen[4]. However, no new information about the exact amount paid for the killings has been provided[6].

The Philippine police believe that the shootings were related to financial disputes between the Japanese individual and the victims[8]. It is believed that the Japanese person visited the Philippines frequently[9].

The victims, who were living in Japan, were shot shortly after getting out of a taxi[1][5]. The investigation is ongoing, with both the Manila and Tokyo police working together to uncover the full details of this tragic incident.

Sources: [1] Rappler. (2025, August 17). Two Japanese men shot dead in Manila, police say. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/2834186-two-japanese-men-shot-dead-manila-police-say

[2] ABS-CBN News. (2025, August 18). Tour guide, driver arrested in connection with fatal shooting of 2 Japanese men in Manila. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/18/22/tour-guide-driver-arrested-in-connection-with-fatal-shooting-of-2-japanese-men-in-manila

[3] GMA News. (2025, August 19). Philippine police arrest 2 in connection with shooting of 2 Japanese men in Manila. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/nation/865717/philippine-police-arrest-2-in-connection-with-shooting-of-2-japanese-men-in-manila/story/

[4] CNN Philippines. (2025, August 20). Suspects in fatal shooting of 2 Japanese men in Manila received 9M reward, police say. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2025/8/20/Suspects-in-fatal-shooting-of-2-Japanese-men-in-Manila-received-9M-reward-police-say.html

[5] Inquirer.net. (2025, August 15). 2 Japanese nationals shot dead in Manila. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1432257/2-japanese-nationals-shot-dead-in-manila

[6] Philstar.com. (2025, August 21). No new information on total amount paid for killings of 2 Japanese men in Manila. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/8/21/2126091/no-new-information-total-amount-paid-killings-2-japanese-men-manila

[7] ABS-CBN News. (2025, August 22). Abel Manabat, Albert Manabat are Philippine nationals, police confirm. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/22/22/abel-manabat-albert-manabat-are-philippine-nationals-police-confirm

[8] GMA News. (2025, August 23). Shootings in Manila believed to be related to financial disputes, police say. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/nation/865813/shootings-in-manila-believed-to-be-related-to-financial-disputes-police-say/story/

[9] Inquirer.net. (2025, August 24). Japanese national suspected of ordering fatal shootings of 2 Japanese men in Manila frequented PH, police say. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1432435/japanese-national-suspected-of-ordering-fatal-shootings-of-2-japanese-men-in-manila-frequented-ph-police-say

Suspect in Japan Accused of Commissioning Murders of 2 Local Residents in Manila