The Philippine justice secretary has said that Manila may first hand over to Japan some of the four men suspected of involvement in a recent series of robberies in Tokyo and other parts of the country.

The four are Japanese nationals and are currently held at an immigration facility in the Philippines. They are suspected of links to the robberies, including one case involving an alleged murder.

The Philippine government is working to hand them over to Japan at the earliest date possible as requested by Japanese police. But three of the four men can be deported only after criminal charges filed against them in the Philippines are dismissed.

Court hearings for cases involving two of the men took place in Manila on Thursday. The two are each accused of committing violence against a woman. A lawyer said more hearings will be held on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the hearings, Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla indicated that his country might be able to first deport some of the men to Japan. He added that the process could be delayed as legal procedures are followed.

The Philippine government plans to continue talks with Japan over the handover. Manila is trying to make progress on the issue before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visits Japan from Wednesday.