By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) has been formed to fast-track the investigation into the death of a Chinese entrepreneur and his driver whose remains were discovered in Rizal province on Wednesday.
In a press conference in Camp Crame on Thursday, PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon police chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the task force would look into the circumstances that would identify those involved in the abduction and killing of Congyuan Guo, also known as Anson Tan/Anson Que, and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
The task group is led by PNP Chief of Directorial Staff Lt. Gen. Edgardo Okubo while the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) led by Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III will be the lead unit in the probe.
“There were signs of bruises and some body injuries. Mayroon din (There was also a) sign of strangulation,” Fajardo added.
She said PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil led a case conference aimed at coming up with the best strategy to solve the crime.
She said the police would backtrack all available closed circuit television (CCTV) footages starting from the time the victims left their office in Valenzuela City on March 29.
Based on the initial investigation, the tycoon’s family started to contact other friends and relatives on March 30 when he and his driver did not return home. They later reported the incident to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.
A vehicle belonging to the victim, meanwhile, was recovered along Seminary Road, Barangay Bahay Toro, Project 6, Quezon City on Tuesday.
“The vehicle that was recovered on April 8, particularly a Lexus, was identified as the last one used by the victim. Allegedly, there were two people in hoodies who abandoned the Lexus,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo declined to give more details when asked on the possible motive and the perpetrators of the crime.
She, however, said they are looking into a criminal group involved in past kidnapping cases, adding this could be composed of Filipinos and Chinese nationals.
AKG chief relieved
Fajardo, meanwhile, confirmed that Marbil ordered the relief of AKG director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay.
“He (Marbil) is holding all commanders accountable. In the case of General Ragay, if you are not competent to deliver what is expected from you, then you would be relieved from your position,” she said.
Ragay was replaced by Col. David Poklay effective April 9.
“(This is) Not only about this case, on the way they handled this case, but also in previous cases,” Fajardo added.
Ragay was previously relieved over alleged irregularities in the recovery of an abducted 14-year-old Chinese student in Parañaque City last February. (PNA)
