PH checks report 2 Filipinos linked to Tokyo couple’s death charged

Two Filipinos in Tokyo were reportedly indicted for murder and trespassing over an elderly Japanese couple’s death. But Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said Monday, March 25, 2024, that the Philippine government is still verifying such reports. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is verifying reports that two Japan-based Filipinos have been indicted for murder and trespassing over an elderly couple’s death in Tokyo.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net on Monday, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega cited Japanese news reports on the indictment of Hazel Ann Morales and Bryan Jefferson dela Cruz.

“According to Japanese news, they were indicted last March 22 for murder and trespassing. The Philippine embassy is still confirming this indictment with the lawyer,” said de Vega.

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

De Vega, quoting the Philippine embassy in Japan, said Morales is still denying any involvement in the elderly couple’s death. Dela Cruz, on the other hand, has admitted to “being at the crime scene,” but maintained “that he did not kill them.”

“Hazel will be visited today (March 25) by the embassy. Bryan is under the care of [the Department of Migrant Workers] Migrant Workers Office as he was an Overseas Filipino Worker,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official disclosed.

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

Morales is a permanent resident of Japan, according to the DFA.

De Vega said the DFA is “continuing monitoring the case” and “ensuring that due process is provided” under Japanese law for the two Filipino nationals.

Morales and dela Cruz were first arrested in January for “abandonment” of a Japanese couple’s bodies, and rearrested while in custody on March 1 for “murder and breaking into residence.”