Japanese found dead in Ermita

Detectives of the Western Police District’s Homicide Division are stumped by the death of a Japanese tourist whose body was discovered in his rented pension room in Ermita, Manila, last Thursday night.

Initial police reports said Sadao Saito, 61, a native of Saitama, Japan, showed no signs of external injuries. Saito was found dead inside Room 3-A.

Saito, whose passport number is MR-0307520, was found dead inside Room 3-A of the Santos Pension House located at 1540 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila, at about 6:30 p.m.

Police investigation showed that Saito arrived in the Philippines last July 31. The following day, he went to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) branch in Escoda street in Sta. Mesa to apply for a temporary driver’s license. At the LTO, the victim, police said, was befriended and assisted by security guard Ronald Gomia.

Investigators said the victim returned last Thursday morning to follow-up his application but failed to get his license and returned to the pension house.

Police said Saito then instructed Nonita Baay not to disturb him as he was tired. Later that night, police said Gomia went to the pension house reportedly to update the victim on his license application. When Gomia got no answer from the victim’s room, he asked Baay to help him open the door.

The victim’s dead body was discovered when his room was opened. Police investigators are still determining if there was foul play behind Saito’s death.

Meanwhile, the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court meted a life sentence yesterday to a 40-year-old vendor who was caught in possession of three kilos of marijuana two years ago.

Judge Edwin Sorsogon also ordered Romeo Encarnacion, of 54 Pinagtipunan St., Barangay Hagdang Bato Itaas to pay a fine of P500,000. – Mike Frialde and Non Alquitran