PNP clears Anson Que son in kidnap-slay case

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has cleared the son of Chinese-Filipino businessman Anson Que in the kidnapping and murder of the steel magnate.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil expressed outrage over the leak of the extrajudicial confession of David Tan Liao, one of the principal suspects, who accused Que’s son, Rongxian Gou, also known as Alvin Tan, as the one who orchestrated the crime.

According to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the Anti-Kidnapping Group will submit to the Department of Justice (DOJ) today a motion amending the complaint, removing Alvin’s name from the list of respondents.

The PNP special investigation task group had Liao’s statement linking Que’s son to the crime on April 19.

Probers kept the information under wraps pending verification.

After an extensive probe, Fajardo said investigators could not find evidence that would corroborate Liao’s allegations linking Alvin to the killing of Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo.

In a statement on Wednesday, Jose Christopher Belmonte, lawyer for Que’s son, said the PNP would ask the DOJ to remove his client’s name from the list of respondents.

“Alvin Que and his family, together with the PNP Task Force headed by Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo and CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, were shocked over a television news report giving airtime to unfounded allegations of David Tan Liao,” Belmonte said.

Belmonte said Que’s family has been in constant communication with police and “offering information to bring the businessman’s killers to justice.”

He also lauded Marbil for clarifying the “erroneous report” linking Que’s son to the crime.

On the issue of Que’s son-in-law, Pan Zeliang, Fajardo confirmed that he was invited for questioning as well as other foreign nationals to shed light on the issue. – Daphne Galvez