Arrest of all suspects in Que slay pushed

PNP chief: Case solved, justice served

MANILA, Philippines — The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is pushing for a full probe and arrest of the remaining suspects in the kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.

In a statement, the FFCCCII said that it appreciates the efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the arrest of three men allegedly involved in the kidnapping and killing of Que and Pabillo.

The PNP earlier said that the three – a Chinese national and two Filipinos – are now in police custody. Two other Chinese nationals believed to be principal suspects remain at large.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim said law enforcement agencies met with the group to strengthen cooperation in fighting crime.

In particular, the FFCCCII had a dialogue with PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil as well as with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago and Bureau of Immigration deputy commissioner Daniel Laogan.

“While the arrests mark progress, the FFCCCII urges authorities to pursue the remaining suspects, including purported masterminds and accomplices, with equal rigor,” the group said.

It also emphasized the need to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the full scope of the case and other similar incidents. By conducting a full probe, the FFCCCII said the government would ensure accountability and prevent future threats to civil order.

“The Federation calls for expeditious judicial proceedings to deliver justice for the victims and their families and reaffirms its commitment to partnering with authorities in safeguarding the welfare of all people in the Philippines,” it said further.

The family of Que also issued a statement through legal counsel Mei Go, thanking President Marcos, Marbil and the police officers involved in the investigation.

“Your tireless efforts made a real difference in the early arrest of the malefactors and we are grateful for your perseverance,” the family said.

Case solved, justice served

Marbil said yesterday that the recent resolution of the kidnapping and murder of Que and Pabillo is a major breakthrough that demonstrates the PNP’s ability to swiftly address heinous crimes.

“Case solved. Justice served,” Marbil said. “This was not a random act of kidnap-for-ransom, but a calculated kidnap-for-hire operation.”

He said the mastermind behind the operation will be formally charged within the week.

The crime was allegedly orchestrated by Chinese national David Tan Liao, also known by several aliases including “Xiao Chang Jiang,” “Yang,” “Jianmin” and “Michael Agad Yung.” Liao is currently in the custody of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group after voluntarily surrendering.

Alleged Filipino accomplices Raymart Catequista and Richard Tan Garcia, also known as Richardo Austria David, were arrested on April 18 in Roxas, Palawan.

According to Marbil, Liao personally ran a rogue kidnap-for-hire operation that functioned like a “shadowy collection agency,” targeting individuals over debts, betrayals, or internal disputes. He recruited and paid local henchmen to abduct and kill his targets.

“In effect, Liao’s criminal scheme operated like a rogue collection agency – except they collected through blood,” the PNP chief said.

The PNP has since linked Liao’s group to five other major kidnap-for-hire cases, which have also been resolved.

“With six major cases now resolved, our focus is on the financiers, the real power behind these blood-for-hire operations,” Marbil said.

The Department of Justice has filed criminal complaints for two counts of kidnapping for ransom with homicide against the suspects, who are now in custody.

Two more Chinese nationals believed to be involved in the crime remain at large. A manhunt operation for their arrest is ongoing.

Commendation

For its part, crime watchdog Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) praised the “diligent, behind-the-scenes work” of PNP personnel that led to the swift arrest of suspects in the kidnapping and killing of Que and Pabillo.

“We also recognize the unwavering leadership and strategic direction provided by the Chief of the Philippine National Police, whose decisive actions and steadfast dedication have played an integral role in advancing this case,” the VACC said in a statement over the weekend.

The FFCCCII likewise expressed appreciation to the PNP, with FFCCCII president Lim emphasizing the importance of law enforcement collaboration in ensuring public safety and rule of law.

Both the VACC and FFCCCII have urged authorities to pursue all remaining suspects, including the alleged masterminds, and called for swift judicial proceedings to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

In Congress, Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded the PNP for the swift arrest of the suspects, noting that this is a clear demonstration of the Marcos administration’s resolve to deliver justice and protect the public from organized crime.

“We commend the PNP, led by General Marbil, for showing that the rule of law works when we are united in purpose and committed to due process,” he added.

“This case proves that our law enforcement institutions, when fully supported, are capable of solving even the most complex crimes without resorting to violence or extrajudicial means,” Romualdez said.

He also thanked President Marcos for his unwavering support to the PNP in tracking down and apprehending the suspects.

Meanwhile, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged the PNP to ensure that all accomplices are identified and held fully accountable.

“I commend the Philippine National Police for its swift and relentless action that led to the arrest of suspects in the heinous kidnapping and killing of Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo,” Gatchalian added.

“However, the fight doesn’t end here. We must ensure that everyone involved in this heinous act – whether as perpetrators, accomplices or masterminds – is identified and held fully accountable,” he stressed.

Like Gatchalian, former senator and 2025 senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson called for the prosecution of the people behind the killing of Que and Pabillo.

“Equally important is the conviction of all the perpetrators by building an airtight case,” Lacson said in a post on his X account yesterday. — Mark Ernest Villeza, Jose Rodel Clapano, Cecille Suerte Felipe