Japanese tourist loses camera, cash to pickpockets

MANILA, Philippines - Another Japanese tourist staying in Ermita, Manila fell victim to pickpockets, police said yesterday.

Yoshitomo Nakata, 41, told the Manila Police District’s general assignment section that three men and a woman approached him as he was in front of the Rothman Hotel Friday night and offered him magazines.

Police Officer 3 Gilbert Isole said Nakata said that when he checked his knapsack a few minutes after the group left, his P19,000 digital camera and P8,657 cash were missing.

This was the second time in a week that a Japanese tourist fell victim to thieves. On Wednesday night, Takuya Katsuyama, 35, lost P440,000 to snatchers as he was walking near the intersection of Pedro Gil street and Roxas Boulevard at about 9 p.m.

At the police station, Katsuyama said there were no policemen patrolling the area.