Daughter goes to father's parents

CEBU, Philippines - The nine-month old daughter of alleged wife killer Dexter Denila will stay with her Filipino grandparents in their hometown in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, as a memorandum of understanding would indicate. Denila allegedly killed his Japanese wife, Kotoka Kajii Denila, last March 26.

The consensus was arrived at during a meeting held at the Japanese consulate at Cebu Business Park in Cebu City yesterday afternoon with Dexter’s older brother Darwin, Yasuo Kajii (Kotoka’s father), Yeko Kajii (Kotoka’s mother), Kotoka’s younger brother, personnel from the Japanese consulate, and lawyer Edison Quiñanola, Unit 1 officer of DSWD Lapu-Lapu City Moises “June” Andales, and personnel from the DSWD regional office.

Andales said Kotoka’s father Yasuo Kajii had explained that as much as the Kajiis wanted to take care of the girl, their advanced age prevents them from doing so, aside from the fact that the cost of living in Japan is much higher than in the Philippines, and more so the cost of education.

Yasuo Kajii said the child would probably be better off if she were raised here, which would give Dexter’s kin the opportunity to shower all their love on the child, which Dexter failed to give.

The MOU stipulates that the house which is worth P1 million and currently undergoing construction in barangay Gabi, Cordova and owned by the Denila couple will be sold and the proceeds will be used for rearing the girl and some amount will be set aside for her education.

The couple’s house at St. Dominic Subdivision in barangay Basak worth P1.5 million will be turned over to the child once she reache 21 years old.

The child has a dual citizenship and once she reaches 21 years old, she can elect to live in Japan.  

Yesterday, the child was hugged tightly by her Japanese grandparents. They assured they would send money monthly as support for the child.

Dexter Denila’s brother Darwin Denila kneeled before the Kajii couple and handed his family’s letter of apology, which the Kotoka’s father wholeheartedly accepted it.

Darwin also promised Kotoka’s parents that they would take care of the child and their sister who is in Canada has also assured support for the child.

Yasuo Kajii said things that have already happened cannot be reversed and that they have nothing against Dexter but since he had violated the law, he then should suffer its consequences.

He said he has trust in the Philippine law and would let the police be the complainant in the case.

When the Kajiis went to the crime scene yesterday morning, they took Kotoka’s personal belongings and pictures with them.

They also visited the couple’s property in Gabi, Cordova town.

Andales said Dexter’s mother Nemia Denila is coming to Cebu without Dexter’s father Luis Denila because he had suffered a stroke upon learning of the news on March 26.

Kotoka’s remains were cremated at  11:00 a.m. yesterday at Cebu Rolling Hills in A. S. Fortuna in Banilad, Mandaue City.

The Kajii couple will leave Cebu on Sunday and will bring with them an urn containing Kotoka’s ashes. (FREEMAN)