Japanese critical after being stabbed in Makati

By Ronron
January 13, 2008

A 43-year-old Japanese national is in critical condition after he was stabbed by alleged robbers in Makati City on Saturday night, police said yesterday.

Norihiko Kozuka sustained two stab wounds on the right side of his upper body that affected his liver and kidney after allegedly fighting it out with two to three suspects.

“He allegedly fought back when the suspects tried to rob him,” said a Makati civilian safety personnel who received Kozuka at the Ospital ng Makati (OSMAK).

Kozuka arrived at said hospital at around 9:15 pm or 15 minutes later since he was found lying with stab wounds at the corner of Salcedo and Aguirre Streets in Legazpi Village, Makati City.

A building security guard was the first to see him in said condition. He was immediately rushed to the hospital by two policemen and another security guard aboard a police car.

It was not clear, however, if the suspects managed to get anything from Kozuka since he had his three wallets with P9,663 cash in it, his Michelin wrist watch, assorted ATM cards, and Nokia 6600 cellphone when he was found.

Surgeon Raymond Mallari of OSMAK said Kozuka remained in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon due to immense loss of blood.

Embassy personnel said Kozuka’s wife is expected to arrive from Japan on Sunday night./DMS