Japanese donor’s driver runs off with car, P1.5 M

Police have launched a manhunt for a 32-year-old driver-bodyguard of a Japanese national after he allegedly ran off with his employer’s sports utility vehicle, personal belongings and almost P1.5 million in cash.

Suspect Allan Russel Sebastian, of Tondo, has moved out of his house with the loot, according to Chief Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling Jr.

Yanquiling said Takuo Kamiya, president of TOA Co. Ltd. of Japan, which donates electronic equipment to the Manila Police Academy, is offering a reward of P100,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of his driver.

Yanquiling furnished mediamen with the suspect’s photo.

Last Aug. 5, the Japanese national was staying at the International Mansion on Mabini street, when he instructed his driver to bring his attache case and luggage to his room.

However, his driver never showed up. When the Japanese came down, the driver and his SUV were gone.

Yanquiling said the attache case contained cash in dollar and yen denominations while his bags contained valuables.

The SUV, a white Isuzu Altera (JPN-77), was later recovered at Rizal Park.

The suspect was seen by Tondo neighbors moving out of his rented house last Monday, Yanquiling said.

Sebastian, who was reportedly dishonorably discharged from the military, had been recommended as driver-bodyguard of the Japanese national through the sister of his Filipina live-in partner.

The suspect is also facing car theft charges after running away with his godfather’s owner-type jeep three years ago.

The vehicle, which belongs to a retired Manila police official, was recovered in Nueva Ecija, Yanquiling said.