The victim has been identified among the dismembered bodies found inside a blue drum in Binondo, Manila, according to a report by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). According to NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo, the victim is a Chinese national and a friend of the main suspect.
According to Asilo's statement, "Our victim was identified by the primary suspect's live-in partner. He was identified through his ID and photos from the Manila Police District." Based on the testimony of a witness, the victim and the suspect had known each other for a long time, more than two years, and were said to be friends and business partners.
Police are also contacting the Chinese Embassy to confirm how long the victim has been living in the Philippines and to find out other details about his background. In the condominium unit, there is only one registered tenant including the main suspect, while three other Chinese nationals are listed as living there.
According to police, the victim also remained in the unit but was not officially declared to management. The motive for the brutal crime is believed to be debt or money, but the exact amount and the circumstances leading up to the incident are still under investigation. The four other Chinese nationals are currently charged with murder.
No relatives have yet identified the victim's body, which is currently in the custody of a funeral parlor managed by the Manila Police District. According to police, the body will remain at the funeral home until it is officially claimed by the family or legal next of kin.
