Four Japanese suspects linked to robberies in Japan, who are currently being held at an immigrant detention center near Manila, have access to smartphones and other luxury items at the facility, according to a former detainee.
A Japanese man in his 60s who had previously been detained at the Philippine immigration bureau's Bicutan detention center, where foreigners are set to be deported, can do anything as long as they have money, he said.
He spoke to The Yomiuri Shimbun about the situation at the detention center where Yuki Watanabe and three other men are suspected of overseeing a string of robberies in Japan.
According to the man who spent a few years at the facility, detainees include Japanese, South Koreans and Chinese, among other nationals. About 300 detainees are being held at the center, exceeding the maximum capacity of about 140.
According to the man, bunk beds line corridors and common areas in the facility, which suffers from poor sanitation and is infested with rats and insects.
He said bribery is rampant, with detainees able to obtain phones, computers, alcohol and even illegal drugs. Bribes are paid to wardens in cash delivered by visitors or electronic currency using smartphones. Some detainees charge commission fees to move funds, because they act as bankers.
Watanabe and Kiyoto Imamura were moved into a VIP room with a shower and a toilet at some point during their detention. According to the man, they had access to items such as air conditioners, fans and phones.
He said the couple was often ordering pizza and other fast food deliveries because they disliked the simple meals provided at the facility. The man had even seen them eating wagyu beef and a whole tuna with their friends. He said he wondered how they were getting the money.
According to the man, one of the four suspects was always carrying multiple smartphones and SIM cards and a list with names and contact information of Japanese people.
He was up to no good, but none of the wardens questioned him, the man said.
One of the suspects had apparently talked about the possibility of avoiding deportation by getting a lawyer to fabricate a legal complaint, which would lead to an investigation by authorities in the Philippines.
It is common practice among detainees who want to avoid deportation. The man said one detainee stayed for 15 years.