After being missing for several days, a Japanese national and her Pinay mother were found buried in Quezon
QUEZON PROVINCE – The bodies of Mai Motegi, 26, a Japanese national, and her mother Lorry Litada, 54, from the Philippines, were found buried near a relative’s home in Tayabas City on March 14.
They were discovered in a recently dug hole within a neighborhood in Barangay Isabang, just a short distance from the relative’s house. Both Litada and Motegi lived in Japan, but it’s unclear why they were visiting the Philippines or for how long.
Concerns arose when Litada’s older sister reported them missing on March 9, saying they hadn’t been seen since February 21. After an investigation, the police focused on a house where the mother and daughter were last spotted, leading to the grim discovery of their bodies.
Lieutenant Colonel Bonna Obmerga, the Tayabas City police chief, identified two relatives as “persons of interest” in the case, suggesting money might be a motive. However, Obmerga didn’t explain further. The individuals labeled as persons of interest have left their homes, but law enforcement is keeping an eye on them.
The police continue to investigate the incident. The bodies will undergo examinations to determine the cause of death. To recall, it was on February 22 that the two victims’ suitcases were found in a river in Tayabas. The suitcases contained bloody items.
Prior to the discovery of their bodies, GMA News reporter Bayani Bacuño took to social media calling on netizens to help look for the missing mother and daughter: “Tulungan po natin sina Lorry Litada at Mai Motegi na mahanap ng kanilang pamilya. Umuwi sila ng Pilipinas mula sa Japan at huling nakita sa Tayabas City noong February 21, 2024. Dala ng mag ina ang malaking halaga na ibabayad raw sa bibilhing property. Paki share po. Maraming salamat!!” he noted.
