Pre-trial conference for murder case of two Japanese tourists held

September 6, 2017

The pre-trial conference for the murder case of Japanese tourists Yoshihuru Arai and Itani Masaru on May 30 in Culion proceeded at the Palawan Regional Trial Court Branch 49 on Wednesday.

Suspects Hiroyuki Nagahama and Jose Ibayat Viscarra arrived for the pre-trial which was presided by Judge Arnel Cezar.

Associate Prosecutor Krystal Mary Rabanal appeared before the court while Joel Tan and Walter Avilanosa appeared as lawyers for Nagahama and Viscara, respectively.

Tan asked why boatmen Aladdin Mohameran and Michael Suangco were not included in the criminal case despite admission they were at the crime scene at Galoc Island in Culion.

Cezar ruled Nagahama can always confront the witness during the hearing.

Rabanal identified the evidence to be used, including Mohameran and Suangco's affidavit and all items  recovered from the crime scene.

Rabanal said the other co-accused Reynante "Buboy" Labampa will be used as witness.

Suspect Carlos Diaz Fresnillo alias Jhun was not arraigned because he had no lawyer. Cezar said the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Palawan chapter will decide who will handle Freanillo's case.

Two other suspects, Bernardo Radam and Reynante Labampa are still in custody of Provincial Law Enforcement Task Force while Sonny Tatan Anicete is still at large.

Cezar set the hearing of the two counts of murder and illegal possession of firearms against the suspects on October 25, 26, 27 and November 13 and 14, 2017. DMS