Japanese sought in killing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Japanese consulate in Davao City has referred to authorities in Japan the request of the city police for the extradition of a Japanese national to shed light on the killing of his compatriot-friend.

Senior Superintendent Alfredo Toroctocon, city police chief, said they have asked the help of the Japanese embassy to bring back Satoshi Ueda to the country to answer some queries about the gruesome murder of his friend, Yasuaki Sawada, 25.

"But we were told that our request will be referred first to the international police organization as part of their procedures," he said.

Meanwhile, Sawada’s parents arrived here from Japan and proceeded to the neighboring town of Malalag-Padada where their son’s remains were kept in a funeral parlor there.

Yukio Sawada, the victim’s father, confirmed the identity of his son, who, he said, never told them about his visit to the Philippines.

The elder Sawada said Ueda had informed them that Yasuaki, who worked as a driver, went missing here.

Ueda flew back to Japan on Dec. 12 after he told the police that Sawada failed to return to the East Asia Royal Hotel where they were billeted at dawn of Dec. 11.

Both left the hotel at about 11 p.m. of Dec. 10. Ueda, in an e-mail to probers, said he left Sawada with two Filipino acquaintances in a place about one hour and a half ride from this city that night.

Sawada was later found dead in a ravine in Sitio Tawal, Barangay Tagnasuli in Malalag, Davao del Sur. His throat was slashed and a steel cord was tied around his neck.

"Ueda’s statements are vital in our investigation," Toroctocon said.