Anson Que’s son maintains innocence in kidnap-slay

MANILA, Philippines — Alvin Que, the son of slain Filipino-Chinese steel magnate Anson Que, maintained his innocence in the kidnap-slay case.

The younger Que submitted a sworn statement yesterday to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and vowed full cooperation in the investigation.

Accompanied by his lawyer Perlito Campanilla, Que appeared before government prosecutors at the DOJ.

Campanilla said Que provided “vital information” that may help authorities in identifying and prosecuting those involved in the crime.

The lawyer said the negotiation for the P200-million ransom, including the family’s request for proof of life, indicated that Que had nothing to do with the kidnapping and murder of the businessman.

Que was tagged as the alleged mastermind by Chinese suspect David Tan Liao, who surrendered to authorities.

The police Anti-Kidnapping Group, however, sought Que’s exclusion from the list of suspects, saying there was not enough evidence against him.

Wen Li Gong, another alleged brains of the crime, also attended the DOJ probe. She was nabbed recently in Boracay along with another suspect.

The elder Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo were found dead in Rizal in April.