By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said autopsy results showed that Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, died due to “asphyxia by manual strangulation”.
“So sinakal sila at ang pinangsakal po sa kanila ay yung lubid na orange (So they were strangled using orange rope),” said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo in a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
She said two Filipino suspects — Richardo Austria David, also known as Richard Tan Garcia, and Raymart Cataquista – admitted that they strangled Que and Pabillo.
“Ang nag-utos daw po sa kanila ay si Ginoong David Tan Liao (They said the one who ordered them was Mr. David Tan Liao),” she added.
The PNP said David and Garcia were arrested on Friday, while Liao, a Chinese national, surrendered to authorities on Saturday and admitted participation in the crime.
Fajardo said the PNP is investigating whether the crime was connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) since the Liao’s group is a kidnap-for-hire.
“Sila yung ginagamit para kumidnap ng may mga utang sa mga POGO. Remember ito yung after effect nung tinigil ang POGO at may mga pagkakautang na malalaki (They are the ones being used to kidnap those who have debts to POGOs. Remember, this is the after effect when POGO was stopped and there are large debts),” she said.
The PNP said Que and Pabillo went missing on March 29 after leaving the former’s office in Valenzuela City. Their bodies were found in Rodriguez town, Rizal rovince on April 9.
Fajardo said the PNP is preparing the documents and evidence that will strengthen the case to pin down the mastermind.
“Hopefully, once the documentation has been completed ay makakapag-file tayo ng (we can file) supplemental complaint affidavit impleading yung mga (the) possible masterminds,” she said.
Que’s family thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil, and other police officials for the arrest of the three suspects.
Former Senator and Philippine National Police chief and now 2025 senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has commended the PNP for working hard to solve the kidnap-slay of Que and his driver.
On Monday, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim also lauded the collaborative resolve of law enforcement agencies.
While the arrests mark progress, the FFCCCII urged authorities to pursue the remaining suspects, including purported masterminds and accomplices.
In a statement, Lim reiterated the business community’s steadfast support for initiatives that enhance the nation’s peace and order infrastructure, a cornerstone of economic stability and an important requirement to attract foreign investors and tourists.
The FFCCCII hopes that sustained collaboration between civic stakeholders and law enforcement will yield a stable climate where justice prevails and enterprises thrive unimpeded by fear. (PNA)
