PNP has 4 persons of interest in deaths of a Japanese, her mother in Quezon

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MANILA, Philippines — Police are eyeing four ‘persons of interest’ (POIs) possibly linked to the death of a Japanese and her Filipina mother.

Their remains were found buried near the residence of the latter’s sister in Tayabas city last March 14.

Citing the Calabarzon police chief, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said the investigation on the case is still ongoing.

She also clarified that there is no truth to reports that the victim’s sister admitted to killing the two.

“We already have at least four POIs. Sadly, two of the four are related to the victims,” Fajardo revealed.

READ: Task force formed to probe death on woman, daughter in Quezon

When asked about the identity of these POIs, the PNP official said they already had their names but opted not to reveal them so as not to compromise the ongoing investigation.

On Sunday, Police Regional Office 4-A chief  Brigadier General Paul Lucas said Quezon police formed the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “Motegi” to investigate the death of 26-year-old Mai Motegi and her 54-year-old mother, Lorry Litada.

Based on previous reports, Motegi and Litada’s bodies were found in the backyard of the residence of Litada’s sister, Ligaya Oliva Pajulas, in Bella Vita Subdivision in Barangay Isabang.

Police said the two were reported missing by another sister of Litada last February.