By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public on Sunday that there is no widespread or random kidnapping spree, debunking claims circulating on social media.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil highlighted the swift resolution of the kidnapping and murder of businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, calling it a breakthrough that underscores law enforcers’ effectiveness in addressing serious crimes.
“These reports are completely untrue and have no factual basis,” he said as he warned of consequences for those spreading “malicious disinformation.”
The case was not an isolated act of kidnap-for-ransom but a calculated operation orchestrated by Chinese national David Tan Liao, who is now in the custody of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group after voluntarily surrendering, Marbil said.
Marbil said Liao ran a rogue kidnap-for-hire group that operated like a “criminal collection agency,” targeting individuals involved in unpaid debts and personal disputes.
His Filipino cohorts, Raymart Catequista and Richardo Garcia (alias Richardo David), were arrested in Roxas, Palawan on April 18.
Marbil said this group was also behind five other major kidnapping cases that are now classified as solved.
“Case solved. Justice served,” Marbil said in a statement on Sunday.
“With six major cases now resolved, our focus is on the financiers — the real power behind these blood-for-hire operations.”
Marbil warned the public against believing online posts and clarified that reports about other high-profile abductions are baseless.
He added that they are closely monitoring the spread of false narratives and taking steps to identify and hold accountable those responsible. (PNA)
