Manila: A Taiwanese national, believed to be the mastermind behind the gruesome dismemberment of a body found in a drum in Binondo, Manila, was apprehended on Thursday in Para±aque City. The arrest marks a crucial development in the case that emerged on February 15.

According to Philippines News Agency, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin announced that the suspect was detained around 1:30 p.m. at a hotel on Seaside Boulevard. The 32-year-old suspect was identified as the person responsible for the murder and dismemberment of the victim, who was later identified as a Chinese national using the alias Xiangyang.

Following the arrest, the suspect was taken to the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) for documentation and subsequently to Pasay City General Hospital for a physical examination. The case is set to proceed to inquest before the Pasay City Prosecutor's Office under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code for murder charges.

The successful arrest was made possible through collaboration between the suspect's live-in partner, hotel staff, and local police authorities. "From the recovery of the drum to the identification of the condominium of origin and the eventual arrest of all those involved, the NCRPO clearly demonstrated that every detail will be followed and every piece of evidence will be used," Maj. Gen. Aberin stated.

Southern Police District chief Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo described the arrest as a significant step towards achieving justice. He noted that a prior arrest of another suspect involved in the crime was instrumental in building the case that led to the mastermind's capture. "Prior to this development, our personnel were able to arrest the lead suspect involved in the disposal of the victim's remains, which proved vital in building the case and eventually leading to the capture of the mastermind behind this crime," Arceo explained.