The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on October 1 arrested a Japanese and Filipinos Glenn Huerto and Christopher Maramag in an entrapment operation in Manila for grave threats

The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by two Japanese nationals against Akira Machida. In their affidavits, the two Japanese claimed that Machida availed of the service of one of the complainants, who was engaged in construction.

The parties agreed on a contract worth P4,728,000 to renovate Machida's shop. But it was found out that the coffee shop was neither owned or leased by Machida but owned by Huerto and Frenelyn Soloria.

The contractor proceeded with the renovation and received an initial amount of P3,309,000 representing 70 percent of the total contract price.

Weeks later, while the renovation project was ongoing, Machida was no longer able to bankroll the project, which eventually forced the contractor to stop the renovation.

Machida then urged the contractor to take out a loan, promising him the proceeds from the sale of his property in Japan. Unfortunately, the loan did not materialize.

On September 20, 2025, Machida, together with Huerto and Maramag, set a meeting with the complainants, where they threatened to kill the complainants if they did not pay a penalty, and they were also prepared to have them arrested by the police.

The next day, one of the complainants was contacted by Machida, demanding P10,000,000 for them to be forgiven. The complainants were also contacted by Maramag for the delivery of half of the demanded sum of money and threatened to harm them and their family if they failed to comply.

On October 1, 2025, NBI-Cavite North District Office agents, along with the complainants, proceeded to the agreed-upon meeting place in an establishment in the City of Manila for the handover of the demanded money.

Upon receiving the marked money, the NBI-Cavite North District Office agents immediately approached Machida and placed him under arrest. Also arrested were his companions/cohorts, Huerto and Maramag.

The arrested subjects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor, Manila, for the violation. NBI Press Statement