PNP secures custody of three key suspects in Anson Que case

Three of the suspects in the kidnap-slay of businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, have been charged by the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG).

Que, whose real name is Anson Tan, and his driver, Armanie Pabillo, vanished on March 29 after they left Que’s office in Valenzuela. The abductors asked for a ransom of $20 million, and Que’s relatives paid P200 million in cryptocurrency in installments. Their remains were, however, discovered later by the authorities in Rodriguez, Rizal, on April 9.

PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo announced that police investigators served a search warrant at a Meycauayan, Bulacan, house where Que and Pabillo were allegedly held captive and executed. Footage from CCTV cameras aided in the identification of two Filipino suspects who were connected to the crime and helped authorities find vital evidence, such as personal items, handcuffs, ropes, and duct tape suspected to have been utilized in the execution.

The second operation led to the arrest of the two Filipino suspects in Barangay IV, Roxas, Palawan, around 3:30 a.m. on April 18. The third suspect, a Chinese national, surrendered early Saturday morning to the authorities. The preliminary investigation showed that the Chinese suspect had been arrested for kidnapping in Angeles City last November 2009 and was later tagged in five kidnapping cases spread all over Metro Manila in 2022 and 2024. His two Filipino suspects were his driver and assistant.

Manhunt Continues for Masterminds in Anson Que Case

The police suspect that the Ford Everest vehicle of the suspect was used in getting rid of the victims‘ corpses, and he is being linked to many kidnapping cases. The suspects have appeared before inquest hearings and now have two kidnapping with ransom for homicide counts against them.

The researchers continue to track down two other Chinese nationals who are believed to be the masterminds of the kidnapping. According to Fajardo, officials are investigating one possible link to POGO operations but are still tracking a good lead where the group’s motive was something greater than ransom.

Que’s family released a statement thanking law enforcers for the effort put into apprehending the suspects. They also thank and express appreciation to Romualdez Marcos Jr. and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for working tirelessly to complete the case.

Image: Yayam Dizon/Facebook