Anson Que Kidnap-Slay Turns High-Profile Murder Case
The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested three men linked to the kidnapping and murder of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo.
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo announced the arrests during a press conference at Camp Crame on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The police breakthrough came after several weeks of continuous investigation into the high-profile crime.
Who Are the Suspects Behind the Anson Que Kidnap-Slay?
Authorities identified the arrested suspects as Richardo Austria David, Raymart Catequista, and Chinese national David Tan Liao.
Law enforcement agents apprehended David and Catequista during a pre-dawn raid in Roxas, Palawan, on April 18. A day after, Liao voluntarily surrendered to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.
Police say Liao, who uses several aliases, including Xiao Chang Jiang and Michael Agad Yung, confessed his role in the crime and expressed fear for his own life.
Surveillance footage showed Que and Pabillo leaving their Valenzuela City office around 2 p.m. on March 29. Later that day, they were spotted arriving at a residence on Martha Street in Barangay Langka, Meycauayan, Bulacan.
According to investigators, the suspects used a Chinese woman to lure Que to the location under lies. She initially scheduled a meeting with Que for March 28 but delayed it until the following day.
Que’s family received a ransom message through an instant messaging app at 9:40 a.m. on March 30. The suspects demanded ₱200 million (about US$20 million) in cryptocurrency, to be paid in several parts. Despite the family’s cooperation, the kidnappers still murdered both victims. Investigators believe the motive went beyond money and that Que’s killing had been planned all along.
Police discovered the bodies of Anson Que and Armanie Pabillo around 6 a.m. on April 9 in Barangay Macabud, Rodriguez, Rizal, after days of search efforts.
During a search at a property in Meycauayan conducted on April 16, officers recovered Que’s black shoes and Pabillo’s footwear and cap. They also found a nylon bag, rope, duct tape, and handcuffs believed to have been used to restrain the victims.
According to forensic findings, the victims had been hogtied, strangled, and stuffed inside nylon bags. Police believe the murder took place on April 8 and that David and Catequista helped carry it out alongside another unidentified male suspect.
Authorities are now tracking down two additional Chinese nationals believed to be the prominent masterminds behind the crime.
The PNP said these suspects played a central role and remain at large. Investigators continue to gather leads to locate and arrest them.
The crime sparked outrage from the local business sector. Three of the country’s top organizations issued a strong statement.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport) called the killings an appalling and inhumane act.
In response to the crime, the Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to form a national anti-kidnapping task force.
Photo: INQUIRER.net
