Police have arrested a Chinese national in connection with the discovery of a dismembered body stuffed inside a drum in Binondo, Manila, while his alleged accomplice remains at large.
Southern Police District (SPD) director Randy Arceo identified the suspect only by the alias “Victor,” 64, who was apprehended in a follow-up operation early Wednesday led by the Pasay City Police with assistance from the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group and the Manila Police District.
The gruesome discovery was reported Sunday after concerned citizens noticed a suspicious blue drum abandoned along Mel Lopez Boulevard in Barangay 275, Binondo.
Police later confirmed the drum contained the dismembered remains of an unidentified male placed inside a black trash bag.
Pasay City police chief Col. Joselito de Sesto said the victim appeared to be a Chinese national but has yet to be positively identified.
The arrested suspect has reportedly refused to provide information.
CCTV footage showed an unidentified Chinese man — believed to be the principal suspect — pushing the drum with the help of an unsuspecting security guard from the 15th floor of a condominium building to an elevator around 5:25 p.m. Sunday.
The guard was told the drum contained soft drinks, and authorities said he would not be held liable.
Additional footage showed “Victor” waiting at the building’s driveway for a rented utility van allegedly used to transport the drum. The two suspects were later seen returning to the condominium at around 7:37 p.m.
Investigators who inspected the condominium unit found bloodstains in several areas, including the master’s bedroom.
Bloodied pillows, a mop, and what appeared to be body parts were also recovered, indicating an attempt to clean up the scene.
Authorities said two scavengers were allegedly paid by the suspects to dispose of the drum earlier that evening.
Arceo said the arrest resulted from “disciplined police work, close coordination among units, and relentless, round-the-clock investigation.”
He assured the public that efforts are ongoing to identify the victim and locate the principal suspect.
Criminal charges are being prepared against the arrested suspect before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office, while investigators coordinate with condominium administrators to determine ownership of the unit and establish further details, including the suspects’ length of stay in the country and the possible motive for the killing.
