Driver of van loaded with skeletons charged

MANILA, Philippines - Police filed charges before the Manila prosecutors’ office yesterday against a Japanese national who was apprehended while driving a van loaded with skeletons, allegedly of Japanese soldiers who died in World War II, reportedly dug up in Mindoro province.

Kazuya Tomita, 41, a resident of Zambales, was charged with violating Section 12 of Presidential Decree 374 (Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act) and Section 92 of PD 856 or the Sanitation Code. Both are bailable offenses, according to police.

Tomita failed to appear before the inquest fiscal since he is under the custody of Japanese consul second secretary Kenichi Horii.

Meanwhile, the scheduled opening yesterday of the impounded car full of skeletons was held in abeyance pending a court order. Since the car and its contents are evidence in a case, the court takes jurisdiction over it, said Senior Superintendent Miguel Laurel, deputy director for administration of the Manila Police District.

Police also refused to unwrap the skeletons unless representatives of the National Museum and the Japanese embassy are present to act as witnesses.

“The National Museum… shall perform the proper accounting of the skeletons, while the Japanese embassy has the burden of proving that the bones were that of their countrymen,” Laurel said.

A representative of a Japanese non-government organization that reportedly exhumed the bones in Mindoro province said they will issue an official statement today.

A source told The STAR that the exhumation could have a “serious diplomatic implication,” because the operation was not covered by a permit from the national and local governments.

Questions also arose on how the group could be sure the remains are those of Japanese soldiers.

Manila policemen intercepted a Mitsubishi Pajero (CSN-102) at a checkpoint along Burgos street in Ermita on April 25 and discovered human skeletons wrapped in white linen and stuffed in the back seat of the van.

Tomita, who could speak fluent Filipino, failed to produce pertinent documents for the cargo.