Who is ‘Luffy’ behind string of robberies? PH gov’t still awaits Japanese confirmation

Bureau of Immigration INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ ALEXIS CORPUZ

MANILA, Philippines–Who is “Luffy,” the alleged mastermind of a string of robberies in Japan operating remotely while detained in an immigration facility in Manila using an encrypted messaging app?

“My apologies we are unable to give a statement until his identity and further details about the case are confirmed by the appropriate agencies,” Immigration Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Monday.

She said it would be “dangerous or unfair for other detainees” if they immediately issue a statement when some of them are not connected to the case.

To date, Sandoval said there are 17 Japanese detained at the Immigration facility in Bicutan but there is no official confirmation regarding the identity of “Luffy.”

A briefer from the Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that a certain Yuki Watanabe, who is detained at the Immigration’s facility since April 19, 2021, is “Luffy.”

Watanabe has a summary deportation order dated May 28, 2021, for being an illegal entrant and a fugitive from justice for using counterfeit official mark and theft charges in Japan.

But his deportation is on hold pending resolution of a violence against women and children (VAWC) case before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court. Once there is conclusion to the case, the DOJ said Watanabe will be deported.

Aside from Watanabe, the DOJ also confirmed that a certain Imamura Kiyoto, alleged member of the robbery syndicate is also detained at the Immigration facility. His summary deportation is also on hold due to a pending VAWC case.

Sandoval said they expect that the identify of “Luffy” will be clarified within the week.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla will be meeting with the Japanese ambassador on Tuesday.

“As to the question if there are people in detention who are responsible for crimes committed under Japanese jurisdiction, I can’t answer that. The only ones who can answer that are Japanese police authorities,” Remulla said.

“They have to identify the people who are really connected. I don’t have first hand knowledge. It’s only the Japanese police who can identify the person, the crime happened in Japan,” Remulla said.

The DOJ secretary, however, assured that the rights of detainees will be respected prior to their deportation.

For now, Remulla said he ordered confiscation of all gadgets within the Immigration detention facility which will be subjected to a forensic investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“Any confiscation will still be in the hands of the Bureau of Immigration. I have not received information on the number of phones confiscated, but the Japanese government has been directly in contact and they know the importance of these telephones for the forensic investigation and the activities done to the telephones,” Remulla said.

He also assured that rights of the detainees will be respected.

“We will not violate any rights of people to be deported …we will make sure the cases are dismissed already before we deport anybody,” Remulla said.

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