The Japanese government urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to improve ''public safety and taking further preventive measures'' over crimes in Metro Manila, especially the deaths of two Japanese in Ermita and reported robberies.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya made the appeal during his courtesy call to acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. at Camp Crame on Thursday.

A statement from the Japanese Embassy said Kazuya expressed concern over recent robbery and holdup incidents using firearms in Metro Manila.

“He also called for improving public safety and taking further preventive measures,” it said.

Last Aug. 15, two Japanese tourists Akinobu Nakayama and Hideaki Satori were shot dead in Malate, Manila by two men.

The suspects, brothers Abel and Albert Manabat, said they were offered a P9-million contract by the mastermind, a compatriot of the victims.

However, siblings said they were only paid P10,000 for the hit job.

Police are still looking for other suspects in the shooting.

The PNP said the meeting between the ambassador and Nartatez reaffirmed the strong ties between Japan and the Philippines, focusing on efforts to enhance law enforcement collaboration, public safety and regional security. DMS