By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Three suspects in the kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, are now under police custody, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported.
The PNP also confirmed that two other foreign nationals, believed to be key figures in the crime, remain at large. They were allegedly present at the location where the victims were held.
“Dalawang Chinese pa ang hinahanap (We are still searching for two more Chinese nationals),” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said at a press briefing on Saturday.
Two of the suspects, Richardo Austria David and Raymart Catequista, were arrested by the PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) in Roxas, Palawan early Friday morning,
The third suspect, identified as David Tan Liao, a Chinese national, surrendered to authorities on Saturday morning and admitted participation in the crime, Fajardo said.
“Natatakot siya na maaaring ipapatay din siya at meron siyang personal na reason (He fears that he will be killed too and has a personal reason) which we will later reveal once we have the clearance,” Fajardo said.
The official said Liao is also known as Xiao Chang Jiang, Yang, Jianmin and Michael Agad Yung.
Investigations revealed that the victims were taken to a residence in Barangay Langka, Meycauayan, Bulacan where they were eventually killed.
Que, also known as Anson Tan, and his driver were last seen on March 29, 2025 after leaving Que’s office in Valenzuela City. The following day, a ransom demand amounting to US$20 million was sent via WeChat to Que’s family, prompting the immediate filing of a report with the PNP-AKG.
Despite negotiations, the bodies of the victims were found on April 9 in Rodriguez, Rizal. Their identities were confirmed through forensic examination.
Fajardo said a crucial lead came from CCTV footage and the recovery of an abandoned Lexus van in Quezon City.
She said one of the suspects was caught on video purchasing wet wipes and a plastic bag – items believed to have been used in eliminating forensic evidence – from a convenience store.
On April 16, authorities served a search warrant for a house in Meycauayan, where they recovered evidence, including DNA traces that matched one of the victims. Investigators believe this is where the killings took place.
The three suspects are facing two counts of kidnapping for ransom with homicide, following inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice.
Que’s family thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil, and other police officials for the arrest of the three.
“Your tireless efforts made a real difference in the early arrest of the malefactors and we are grateful for your perseverance. We highly appreciate your bravery and courage in keeping our community safe,” the family said through their lawyer, Mei Go.
Marbil, meanwhile, refuted information circulating on social media saying that several high-profile business personalities have been kidnapped, and warned that the PNP is now taking steps to identify and hold accountable those responsible for creating and sharing the misleading stories.
“There is no truth to these reports about the alleged kidnapping of business personalities. Such malicious disinformation will not be tolerated. Anyone proven to be spreading fake news will be dealt with accordingly,” Marbil said in a statement.
This statement aligns with Marcos’ call for the responsible use of social media and the protection of peace and order in the country. (PNA)
