‘Witness’ admits plotting slay of Japanese trader

CEBU CITY — The supposed vital witness in the ambush of the two Japanese businessmen last Thursday in front of the Gaisano Country Mall turned out to be the mastermind in the killing.

Killed on the spot was 72-year-old Masayuki Kuwabara while his companion Yusiyaki Mewa, 49, is now confined at the intensive care unit of the Perpetual Succour Hospital.

Norberto Antiquando, 37, confessed to investigators of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group that he hated the two, so he had them slain.

Kuwabara owned Nagoya-based Art Hawkstone Co. Ltd. which sells fiber glass and construction supplies while Antiquando owns Jeff Multi-Handicraft in Tawason, Mandaue City which manufactures fiber glass.

Antiquando said Kuwabara has been his client since February this year.

Antiquando said he was motivated to kill the Japanese nationals after Kuwabara and Mewa allegedly connived in deceiving him in the payment of the June-July-August shipments which supposedly reached $14,000.

He alleged that while he expected to receive $14,000 he only got $3,000 because Kuwabara and Mewa deducted unexplained back charges.

As a result, Antiquando approached his friend Claudio Bontilao early this month to find a hitman who would carry out his planned ambush slay.

Bontilao then approached Alex Oyao to look for a hitman who was later identified as Allan Inot.

Suspects Bontilao, Oyao and Inot were arrested yesterday in a series of operations conducted by CIDG operatives led by SPO4 Enrique Lacerna, SPO3 Bernie Junco and SPO1 Delfin Bontuyan in Talamban and in Mactan Island.

Bontilao allegedly drove the motorcycle while Inot served as the triggerman. Oyao is allegedly an accomplice to the crime for having recommended Inot.

Murder charges are set to be filed against the four suspects on Monday. — Freeman News Service