2 Filipinos linked to Japanese couple’s death may face capital penalty

This photo taken on October 13, 2023, shows Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega during a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps. On Monday, March 4, 2024, the DFA official said that the two Filipinos linked to the death of an elderly couple in Japan may face capital punishment if convicted of double murder. PHOTO FROM PCO FB PAGE

MANILA, Philippines — The two Filipinos linked to the death of an elderly couple in Japan may face capital punishment if convicted of double murder, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Japan Times earlier reported that Bryan Jefferson Lising dela Cruz, 34, and Hazel Ann Baguisa Morales, 30, were placed under investigation over the death of the Japanese.

The two Filipinos were first arrested for abandonment of the couple’s bodies, and then arrested again while in custody of authorities on March 1 for “murder and breaking into residence.”

“Under Japanese law, they may be sentenced to death if convicted of double murder,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega told INQUIRER.net. in a text message on Monday.

READ: 2 Filipinos in Japan questioned following couple’s murder

However, he gave assurance that the Philippine embassy in Japan would continue to provide all the necessary assistance to the two Filipinos.

“We will see in [the] next few weeks what will be the final charges to be filed against them. The embassy is in touch with the authorities,” he added.

De Vega earlier disclosed that the final charges against Morales and dela Cruz may be known by March 23.