PNP arrests 3 suspects in kidnap-slay of Anson Que, driver

MANILA, Philippines – Local police arrested three suspects in the kidnapping and killing of a businessman and his driver. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo confirmed the arrest of three suspects during a press conference on Saturday, April 19. 

According to Fajardo, two of the suspects — Richardo Austria David and Raymart Catequista — were arrested around 3 am on Friday, April 18, in Roxas, Palawan. 

Meanwhile, the third suspect — Chinese David Tan Liao — surrendered to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) on Saturday and confessed his alleged participation in the kidnapping and killing of Anson Que (also known as Anson Tan) and driver Armanie Pabillo. 

The three suspects had undergone inquest proceedings — an expedited type of preliminary investigation where prosecutors decide whether to charge arrested individuals or not. 

In this case, the three suspects were already charged with two counts of kidnapping with homicide, according to Fajardo. They are currently under the PNP AKG’s custody. 

On April 10, the PNP confirmed that Que, who’s into steel business, and his driver Pabillo, were found dead in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Authorities discovered and recovered the two’s remains after they were reportedly kidnapped earlier. Calabarzon police said a citizen discovered the cadavers and immediately reported the incident to a local police station. 

Based on the initial probe, Que and Pabillo’s bodies were placed in a nylon bag and tied with a nylon rope, while their faces were wrapped in duct tape. 

During Saturday’s briefing, Fajardo narrated that the two victims were last seen alive in Valenzuela City at around 2 pm on March 29. The two arrived in Barangay Langka, Meycauayan, Bulacan, on the same day, based on available closed circuit television footage.

According to the PNP spokesperson, Que and Pabillo were kidnapped by the suspects in a house located in the said barangay. Using a search warrant, police later discovered Que’s shoes and Pabillo’s belongings in the Langka house. Apart from these, cops also seized items like rope and duct tape allegedly used against the victims. – Rappler.com